💔 Louisiana Mourns: The Man Who Saved the New Orleans Saints Has Passed Away

New Orleans, Louisiana, November 9, 2025
NFL fans across America are mourning tonight after heartbreaking news confirmed the passing of Paul Tagliabue, the former NFL Commissioner who once saved the New Orleans Saints from disappearing after Hurricane Katrina.
⚜️ “The Man Who Saved the Saints”
In a viral post, sports fan @JonoBarnes, known for his love of the New Orleans Saints, wrote at 17:26 GMT:
“Louisiana needs to fly all flags at half mast tomorrow. The man that saved the New Orleans Saints.”
That single tweet summed up what countless fans across Louisiana are feeling right now — deep gratitude for the man who refused to let their team die when the city itself was broken.
🕊️ Farewell to a Quiet Hero
Paul Tagliabue, who served as NFL Commissioner from 1989 to 2006, passed away early Sunday morning at his home in Chevy Chase, Maryland, at the age of 84.
Reports from Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) confirmed that Tagliabue died due to heart failure complications caused by Parkinson’s disease. He is survived by his wife Chandler, his son Drew, and his daughter Emily.
But for the people of New Orleans, Tagliabue’s legacy is much more than football. After Hurricane Katrina devastated the city in 2005, many believed the Saints would never return. Rumors spread about moving the franchise to San Antonio or even Los Angeles.
Tagliabue stood firm. He convinced owners, the league, and investors to keep the team in Louisiana, securing temporary stadiums and financial support to help rebuild the Superdome and the community itself.
Thanks to his decision, the Saints rose again — stronger than ever. Just five years later, they lifted the Super Bowl XLIV trophy in 2010, symbolizing the spirit of a city reborn.
Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue died this morning in Chevy Chase, MD., his family announced. He was 84.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 9, 2025
The apparent cause of death was heart failure complicated by Parkinson’s disease. Survivors include his wife Chandler, son Drew, and daughter Emily. pic.twitter.com/q9tuQsAyrs
🏈 Fans Call for a Statue Beside Tom Benson
As news of his passing spread, fans flooded social media with tributes.
One fan commented: “When people credit Tommy Boy for saving the Saints, they really mean this man.”
Another wrote: “Build him a statue next to Tom Benson. He deserves to stand there forever.”
Even local radio hosts in New Orleans echoed the sentiment, calling Tagliabue “the best friend this city ever had in the NFL office.”
💬 Remembering His Legacy
For many, Tagliabue wasn’t a celebrity commissioner. He was a steady, quiet figure who believed in community and loyalty. His leadership not only kept the Saints alive but also ensured that the heart of New Orleans continued to beat.
“He didn’t just save a team,” one fan wrote. “He saved a piece of our soul.”
⚜️ The Flags Will Fly Low
Across Louisiana, fans are echoing Jono Barnes’ words: “Fly the flags at half mast.”
Not as an official order, but as a heartfelt tribute from a community that knows what it means to lose — and what it means to be saved.
Rest in peace, Paul Tagliabue.
The city of New Orleans will forever remember you — not as a commissioner, but as the man who gave the Saints their second chance.










