Tom Benson Funeral And Second Line Include The Biggest Names In Sports
Some of the biggest names in sports and key political figures have gathered at St. Louis Cathedral in the New Orleans French Quarter for the funeral of New Orleans Saints and New Orleans Pelicans owner Tom Benson.
Jay Romig has worked for the Saints for 42 years and he says today is a celebration of a man who was committed to New Orleans and proud to be a New Orleanian.
Following the funeral service, there was a second line leading out of the church. The second line included current and former New Orleans sports figures, like current Saints coach Sean Payton and former Saints coach Jim Mora. Drew Brees also participated in the second line, posting an emotional video on social media where he said:
"Mr. Benson wouldn't want it any other way. Unbelievable. Only in New Orleans. We love you, Mr. B. God bless you."
Benson died a week ago at the age of 90 after a bout with the flu.
Many are wondering what the future holds for the two professional sports franchises. Saints and Pels president Dennis Lauscha says it will be business as usual and that means Gayle Benson attending next week’s NFL owners meeting in Orlando.
Lauscha says he can’t imagine an attempt by Gayle to move the teams out of New Orleans.