Gayle Benson: I'll remain owner of Saints 'until my death'

Following the death of her husband, Tom Benson, in March, Gayle Benson said she'll remain owner of the New Orleans Saints in a letter sent to the 31 other teams and obtained by Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

"As is standard NFL practice, my husband provided a report to the Commissioner summarizing the Ownership Succession Plan of the New Orleans Saints. For clarity, my husband’s plan and desire was for me to have full voting control of the Saints and to serve as controlling owner of the team per NFL rules. I understood this and want to reassure you that I am fully prepared to assume this role. Moving forward, I too, will provide the commissioner my very own Ownership Succession Plan of the New Orleans Saints.

"Please rest assured, I will own and operate this franchise until my death and do so with the same drive and focus towards success that my husband displayed throughout his life."

Until his death, Tom Benson owned the Saints since purchasing the franchise in 1985. He and Gayle were married in 2004.