SmashMouth

The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans will be well represented at the funeral service for former owner Tom Benson, who died last week.

Top team executives Dennis Lauscha and Mickey Loomis will be among the eight pallbearers carrying the casket.

Benson's service will also have several honorary pallbearers behind the casket, including Drew Brees, Anthony Davis, Sean Payton, Dell Demps, Alvin Gentry and longtime Saints administrative director Jay Romig.

Lauscha, president of both the Saints and Pelicans, confirmed the pallbearer plans on Wednesday as he left the visitation service at Notre Dame Seminary Chapel. Lauscha stood alongside Gayle Benson, Tom's widow, in the receiving line until about noon.

As someone who grew up a Saints fan, Lauscha said it's remarkable to think he's in a position to receive the honor of participating in Benson's funeral service.

"It's one of the greatest honors of my life, to be perfectly honest with you," he said. "Obviously, it's going to be a very, very sad day, but being able to play a role in the funeral really is a true honor."

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