Tom Benson has reportedly donated $11 million to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the largest donation in its 51 year history, according to an article by Jeff Duncan of nola.com.

Benson released the following statement regarding his generous gift.

"Canton is the birthplace of football. Football has a very direct and strong connection to New Orleans. The game of football has served as a positive beacon in our city. It has given our citizens hope in tough trying times. My donation to the Pro Football Hall of Fame was an easy decision, it was a right decision and it was a decision that I believe will have great impact on the current game and help foster a better game in the future while also having direct and tangible impacts on the legends of our game with the Legends Landing."

Fawcett stadium in Canton, Ohio will reportedly be using a big chunck ($10 million) of Benson's donation. It's currently scheduled to undergo a $24 million renovation in the next year. It will be renamed Tom Benson Stadium following the renovation. It hosts the Hall of Fame game every August, the opening preseason game each season.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released the following statement about Benson's generous donation.

"Tom Benson's leadership has been instrumental in the NFL's success and growth for nearly 30 years as owner of the Saints, including more than 20 years as chairman of the league's Finance Committee. His generous gift to the Hall of Fame will forever link Tom's legacy to the game he loves and to the legends who helped build it."

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