"It saddens me deeply to learn of the passing of Tom Benson. I have always greatly valued his leadership, his friendship and his counsel. While history will always commend him for his leadership in guiding the New Orleans Saints, it is truly his near-limitless generosity and his works in his community that will serve as his eternal legacy. We will never forget his leadership in the devastating wake of Hurricane Katrina. He was a true ambassador for an entire region, and his ability to bring hope and healing to the people of New Orleans were a true illustration of his character.
"On behalf of the Washington Redskins, we extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the Benson family and the entire New Orleans Saints organization."