Tom Benson (March 15, age 90)
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Tom Benson (March 15, age 90)

New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Tom Benson died Thursday, nearly one month after he was hospitalized with flu-like symptoms. He was 90.

Benson died with his wife Gayle at his side, the Saints said in a press release. He had been hospitalized since Feb. 16.

Benson purchased the NFL team in 1985 for $70 million and the franchise reached the playoffs for the first time two years later.