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The only thing brighter than his tie was his smile -- and his outlook for the 2012 season.

"We're going to make history," Benson said. "Our goal this year (is to) win the Super Bowl in our stadium. Nobody's ever done that before."

Benson joined all-time rushing leader Deuce McAllister, longtime Saints broadcaster Jim Henderson and special honoree Steve Gleason in the most star-studded class in the Hall's 25-year history.

Benson was kinder, softer and humbler as he greeted the media at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. He thanked wife Gayle, granddaughter Rita Benson LeBlanc and the dozen or so executives who attended in support. He even thanked the crowd for the warm reception.

"Sometimes in the past 25 years I haven't gotten quite that warm of a reception," he joked.

There was a time, indeed, when Benson wouldn't have received such a warm welcome. Only a few years ago most members of the Hall of Fame selection committee were steadfastly against Benson's induction. Some still oppose it.

Benson's actions before and in the months after Hurricane Katrina were undoubtedly destructive. Whether you believe he was trying to relocate the Saints or not, he and team officials were, at the very least, guilty of poor judgment. Their actions needlessly strained the already fragile psyches of the club's loyal fan base.

Although it would be nice to hear Benson be a little more forthcoming and apologetic about those days, words have never been one his strengths. Besides, his post-Katrina actions have spoken much louder.









New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson's actions tell the story much more accurately than his words - New Orleans Saints Football NFL News - NOLA.com

foreverfan

Old Tom was born in 1927 so he's 84 or 85. We worked and won in New Orleans.

Keep Kickin Tom!

QBREES9

Git er done TOM

UK_WhoDat

Let's get to it

Rugby Saint II

Thanks Tom for buying our Saints and keeping them in La.

sharke

think the second part should be directed more at Paul Tagliabue and Arnie Fielkow.

SaintsBro

I have a much greater amount of respect for him than I used to. I do think the Katrina experience changed him somehow (like it changed a lot of people). He has lost a lot of the "used car salesman" quality that he used to have. These days he seems more comfortable and experienced in operating at the level of an NFL owner, and not acting like some bumpkin car dealer. And if you look at his actions in this bountygate ****, he is not backing down, not one bit...he's not doing what the commissioner and the league wants him to do, to kowtow and fire the particular people who Goodell doesn't like, throw them under the bus, which would be the easy way out. No, nowadays he's one salty SOB.

st thomas

CONGRATS TOM . now get ur star signed now. end of story.

QBREES9

Loomis, Benson, Brees in a room. Get it done.

Rugby Saint II

Truer words have never been spoken. Well said my friend.....well said.