How did the New Orleans Saints elevate themselves from “the Aint’s” to Super Bowl XLIV champions? The answer is simple, car salesman Tom Benson. When he purchased the team in 1985 from John Mecom, they were arguably the worst football franchise in history. Fans used to wear paper bags over their heads at games so as not to be identified. Several people deserve credit for the team’s recent success, but only one man is responsible for building a winning franchise out of nothing.

Under Tom Benson’s watch, the New Orleans Saints had their first winning season (12-3) in 1987, their first division title in 1991, their first playoff win in 2000, and their first Super Bowl appearance / victory in 2010. Prior to Benson’s purchase of the team, fans were too embarrassed to show their allegiance. Now, over 106 million people cheered as the Saints won the Super Bowl this week. If actions speak louder than words, then Benson’s actions are screaming bloody murder.

Tom Benson took a franchise that he paid $70 million dollars for in 1985 and turned it into an $820 million dollar gold mine. Even accounting for inflation, the numbers speak for themselves. Benson is blessed.