The New Orleans Saints and Pelicans were among many throughout the state mourning the loss of former Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards, who passed away at 93 years old on Monday.
The Saints and Pelicans issued a statement about the late governor, and his critical role in helping to get the teams in the hand of the Benson family.
"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Governor Edwin Edwards", said Gayle Benson in a news release. "Governor Edwards was always a big supporter of our state's two major professional sports teams, realizing the economic impact, civic pride and unifying effect that that they provided to New Orleans and the entire state."
The team's statement lauded Edwards' influece as the Saints went up for sale in 1984, helping to champion Tom Benson's purchase of the franchise at an uncertain time regarding its future. Benson passed away in 2018 at age 90, with the team's ownership mantle passing to his widow, Gayle.
"The combination of Benson's persistence and realizing the importance of the Saints to New Orleans and Edwards' encouragement of his pursuit ended with a successful sale to Benson on May 31, 1985," read the team's statement.
Edwards was hospitalized with breathing issues in 2020, but tested negative for both coronavirus and the flu. He was admitted to hospice care earlier in July and passed away this week, with the cause of death cited as respiratory complications.
Edwards' death came on the same day that Tom Benson would've celebrated his 94th birthday.
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