Netflix has announced the upcoming release of a deeply moving and highly anticipated documentary that pays tribute to the life and legacy of Tom Benson, the late owner of the New Orleans Saints. Benson, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 90…
Netflix to Release Emotional Documentary Honoring the Life and Legacy of Tom Benson
Netflix has announced the forthcoming release of a powerful new documentary chronicling the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of Tom Benson, the late owner of the New Orleans Saints. Set to premiere in late 2025, the film promises a deeply moving tribute to a man whose influence extended far beyond football, leaving an indelible mark on sports, business, philanthropy, and the city of New Orleans.
Tom Benson, who passed away in 2018 at the age of 90, was a towering figure in both the National Football League and his hometown. Under his leadership, the New Orleans Saints transformed from perennial underachievers into Super Bowl champions, capturing the hearts of a community that saw the team as a symbol of resilience—especially in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
Netflix, which has increasingly invested in sports-related content, revealed that the untitled project will feature never-before-seen footage, personal interviews, and intimate reflections from those who knew Benson best. From his early days as a car dealer in New Orleans to becoming a beloved NFL owner, the documentary will weave together the defining chapters of Benson’s life story.
A Businessman With a Vision
Born in New Orleans in 1927, Tom Benson began his career in the automotive industry, eventually building a successful network of car dealerships. His keen business acumen and community connections positioned him as a rising force in the city’s economic life. But it was his unexpected purchase of the New Orleans Saints in 1985 that would make him a household name across the Gulf South.
At the time, the Saints were struggling both financially and competitively. Many feared the team would be relocated. Benson not only kept the franchise in New Orleans but reinvigorated it. His leadership style—defined by a mix of hard-nosed business tactics and unyielding loyalty to his city—earned him the trust and admiration of fans and peers alike.
The Road to Super Bowl Glory
The documentary reportedly devotes significant attention to the Saints’ remarkable journey under Benson’s ownership, culminating in their 2009 Super Bowl XLIV victory over the Indianapolis Colts. It was a historic moment for a franchise long associated with futility and heartbreak.
That championship, however, meant more than just football. Coming just a few years after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Saints’ success symbolized the city’s grit, unity, and determination to recover. Benson, who had personally committed to rebuilding the team and supporting local recovery efforts, became emblematic of that resilience.
“He didn’t just save the Saints—he saved something much bigger: our spirit,” one former player says in the documentary’s trailer, according to Netflix’s press release.
A Complicated but Enduring Legacy
While the film is expected to celebrate Benson’s achievements, it will not shy away from the complexities of his later years. Legal disputes over his estate and the controversial shift in his succession plans following a falling out with family members made headlines before and after his death. The documentary will reportedly address these chapters with nuance and sensitivity, aiming to present a full and honest portrait of a man whose life was as multifaceted as the city he loved.
Interviews with Saints legends such as Drew Brees, Sean Payton, and key executives from the NFL, as well as family members, sports journalists, and community leaders, are expected to offer a broad spectrum of insight.
Beyond the Gridiron
In addition to his football legacy, the film will explore Benson’s philanthropic work. A devout Catholic, he donated generously to numerous causes, including local schools, churches, and healthcare facilities. One of his most visible contributions was the donation that led to the naming of the Tom and Gayle Benson Cancer Center in New Orleans.
His widow, Gayle Benson, who now serves as the principal owner of the Saints and the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans, will also appear in the film. She is expected to reflect on both the personal and public sides of her late husband’s life, as well as her own stewardship of the family’s legacy in sports and charity.
A Tribute for the Ages
Netflix has not announced a specific release date, but anticipation is already building. The film is poised to join the ranks of emotionally rich sports documentaries like The Last Dance and Quarterback, offering both die-hard fans and newcomers a rare look into the heart of a man who shaped a team, a city, and a legacy.
For New Orleanians and NFL fans alike, the documentary promises to be more than a biography. It is, in many ways, a love letter—to football, to perseverance, and to the enduring impact of a life lived with purpose.
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