Saints owner Tom Benson gives $11 million to Pro Football Hall of Fame

Saints owner Tom Benson pledged $11 million to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, making it the largest gift to the Hall in its history.

New Orleans Saints owner Tom Benson pledged $11 million to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, making it the largest gift to the Hall in its history, reports Mike Triplett of ESPN.com.

The Hall of Fame said in a statement that Benson will give $1 million to the Hall of Fame's Legends Landing Program, which will include a room for Hall of Famers and retired players.

Fawcett Stadium in Canton, Ohio, home of the NFL's Hall of Fame Game, will get a new renovation thanks to a $10 million pledge from Benson.

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"This is a donation that I feel very strongly about," Benson said in a statement. "I have taken great pride in the recovery and renaissance of my home city, New Orleans, not only prior to but, more importantly, post-Katrina."

The 87-year-old Benson has owned the Saints since 1985. He is encouraging the other NFL owners to match his $1 million pledge to the Legends Landing Program.

"I think it is important that we, as owners, as teams, as administrators, players and coaches all recognize the origins of our game and embrace the future. I believe the Hall of Fame Village will be the preeminent focal point of that," Benson said.

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