Canal Street Chronicles, a New Orleans Saints community

"Deuce has had a career defined by both his accomplishments and his exemplary character," said Owner/Executive Vice President Rita Benson LeBlanc. "He has meant so much to our fans and the region, that we celebrate everything he has accomplished both on and off the field. He will always be part of the Saints’ family, and Deuce will continue to be held in the highest regards within our organization."

"Our family was relieved to have such a resounding positive result from the procedure," said Benson's granddaughter, owner/executive vice president Rita Benson LeBlanc, who is among the Saints' executives representing the team at the NFL owners' meetings in Dallas this week. "The physicians and staff at Ochsner were exceptional and attentive from diagnosis through recovery. He could not have been in better hands.

"My grandfather is eager to be back in the office by the end of the week. Though he won't be traveling with us to the Detroit game (on Sunday), he will be rooting for the team from home in New Orleans."

"Statistics support that the UK has an extraordinary number of people that love to vacation in New Orleans and experience the culture and everything that our city has to offer," LeBlanc said. "This is a chance for us to spread the word through our words and our actions what great New Orleans is and how great NFL football is."