Dennis Lauscha, president of the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, said the new owner of the franchises wanted to greet as many fans as possible when they came to pay their respects to her husband, who died Thursday.

And, according to Lauscha, Gayle Benson hopes to reward these fans and others in short order as both franchises will continue to work toward building teams capable of winning championships.

Lauscha stood at Gayle Benson's side for the first two hours of the public visitation Wednesday, and he said some fans asked her about the future of the franchises in the wake of her husband's death.

"I don't think very much will change at all," Lauscha said. "Mrs. Benson has even told people in line who've asked that question. I think she feels very strongly about the leadership of our teams, and I think she'll continue to go that way."

As Lauscha explained, she's already been working in her new role as owner even while planning the funeral.

"This has been a very, very busy week, and she's been our leader," Lauscha said. "And she's rock solid and she's there. I'm proud to be working with her ... and Mr. Benson, I know, would be proud of her, too."