From the Superdome to the Silver Screen: How Tom Benson’s Legacy Is Still Shaping New Orleans Sports — and What’s Coming Next
NEW ORLEANS, LA —
Tom Benson was more than just the owner of a football team. He was the heartbeat of a city in crisis, the guiding hand behind a sports renaissance, and a symbol of unwavering loyalty to New Orleans. Now, years after his passing in 2018, his legacy is taking on new life — not just in the stadiums and streets of New Orleans, but on the big screen.
This fall, Netflix is set to release a much-anticipated documentary chronicling the life, impact, and complexities of Tom Benson — a man who transformed the New Orleans Saints from perennial underdogs into Super Bowl champions, and helped rebuild an entire city’s spirit in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Titled “Benson: Faith, Football, and the Future”, the film promises an unflinching look at both his triumphs and controversies.
🏈 The Man Who Saved the Saints
When Benson purchased the New Orleans Saints in 1985, the franchise was more of a punchline than a powerhouse. But through smart hires, long-term vision, and a willingness to invest in both talent and community, he helped turn the team into a national force — culminating in the unforgettable Super Bowl XLIV victory in 2010. That win was more than a championship. It was a cultural reset for a city still recovering from disaster.
During the turbulent years following Hurricane Katrina, there were whispers the team might leave New Orleans. Benson silenced them. He doubled down on his commitment to the city — a move that endeared him to fans forever and earned him legendary status in the Crescent City.
🏀 Beyond the Gridiron
Benson’s influence wasn’t confined to the Superdome. In 2012, he purchased the New Orleans Hornets, later rebranded as the New Orleans Pelicans. Under his stewardship, the team hosted two successful NBA All-Star Games and began a process of cultural redefinition. His goal wasn’t just to own teams — it was to anchor sports in New Orleans and ensure they remained part of the city’s DNA.
🏆 Hall of Fame & Honors
In recognition of their enduring impact, Tom and Gayle Benson will be posthumously and honorarily inducted into the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation Hall of Fame this year. Gayle Benson, who took over ownership after her husband’s death, has continued his mission with grace and determination, ruling out any sale of the Saints or Pelicans and expanding their philanthropic reach.
🎬 Legacy on Film
The upcoming Netflix documentary has sparked national attention. Blending archival footage, first-hand interviews, and never-before-seen moments, it explores not only Benson’s successes but also the controversies — family disputes, leadership decisions, and the complicated human behind the empire.
Producers say the documentary will highlight:
His business acumen that turned struggling franchises into winners
His civic leadership during the Katrina crisis
His intense Catholic faith and philanthropy
And the emotional handoff of his legacy to Gayle Benson
Fans, journalists, and former players alike are calling the project “long overdue.”
💬 What People Are Saying
“Tom Benson wasn’t perfect,” says one former Saints executive in the trailer. “But he was perfect for New Orleans. He believed in this city when so many others didn’t.”
Gayle Benson added during a recent ceremony, “This legacy isn’t about games. It’s about people. It’s about love — for a team, a city, and each other.”
🔮 What’s Next?
Benson’s influence continues to ripple. Under Gayle’s leadership, the Saints and Pelicans remain community pillars, investing in education, housing, and healthcare across the region. And now, with a documentary set to immortalize his story for a global audience, Tom Benson’s legacy is moving from the Superdome to the silver screen, reminding the world that some sports heroes make their biggest plays off the field.
