Billionaire who owned both the New Orleans Saints and the New Orleans Pelicans. He made his fortune by founding a company called Benson Financial.
He studied accounting at Loyola University of New Orleans and later owned a Chevrolet dealership.
After Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Benson insisted that the Saints team continue to be based in the city.
His three marriages -- to Shirley Landry, Grace Marie Trudeau, and Gayle Marie LaJaunie -- produced seven children.
He hired head coach Sean Payton, who led the Saints to a Super Bowl title in 2009.
