NEW ORLEANS - Whether he was doing the Benson Boogie or parading the stadium with his umbrella, former Saints player and Hall of Famer Morten Andersen Tom Benson brought life to the organization.
"I had been with the Saints since '82, so, I had a couple of years under my belt, but, I did see a huge change in the culture of the team," Andersen said.
Andersen says Benson had a big joy for life and it showed in the way he treated his team, more than anything, Andersen says Benson respected them.
"If he didn't know something, you know in the football world, he got out of the way, and let the people knew the business handle that. He trusted people," Andersen said.
Former Saints Running back Deuce McAllister played under Benson's leadership for eight season.
"You're sad, just because of the passing, but then you start thinking about the things that he did," McAllister said.
Both McAllister and Andersen say what'll live on is Benson's generosity. Benson donated millions of dollars to charities, including the Gayle and Tom Benson Cancer Center, Loyola and Tulane Universities.
"He always wanted to have the right impact that was to be able to give back to the community," McAllister said.
They'll also remember the personal memories both on and off the field.
"How would ask you how you're feeling, or ask how the family is doing whether it was the kids or my wife or he would see me with my mom, ask how they were doing and as a player that made you feel really good," McAlllister said.
"I was so proud and honored to go in as a Saint last August in Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. A place that he had donated over 10 million dollars to , to make that thing happen," Andersen said.
It's Benson's remarkable contributions, his passion for the team and those he knew that both McAllister and Andersen say they'll remember forever.