The New Orleans Saints announced Thursday that longtime Saints owner Tom Benson has passed away at the age of 90 after being hospitalized with the flu Feb. 16.
Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones released this statement on Tom Benson's passing:
"Tom was a friend and an ally, and I admired him greatly. He was a proud Texan, who also embraced his leadership role in the State of Louisiana. His spirit and competitiveness were a perfect fit for all Saints fans and the City of New Orleans.
Tom was not only a great and generous owner, but he was also a very productive contributor to the National Football League.
He was astute, exceptionally smart and an accomplished sportsman and businessman. His marketing and finance expertise guided the League's Finance Committee for years. He pumped life and enthusiasm into a community and a franchise that had no winning seasons before he became involved, and he brought them a championship and a great sense of pride that will be felt for years to come.
Our thoughts go out to his family and all of the lives that he touched. This is a sad day for the NFL."
