Saints Owner TOM BENSON “hasn't allowed an ailing knee to keep him from actively participating" in this week's NFL owners meetings. Saints VP/Communications GREG BENSEL said that Benson is “moving around with a walker but has maintained a busy schedule regardless.” He “attended an open reception Sunday night, a general session meeting Monday morning and a lengthy league finance meeting" along with his wife, GAYLE, and team President DENNIS LAUSCHA. Benson is “no longer officially on any committees after stepping away a couple of years ago” (NOLA.com, 3/23).
BUILT FORD TOUGH: Lions Owner MARTHA FIRESTONE FORD is attending the owners meetings but “is not expected to make any public statements.” She is “believed to be the only current NFL owner to have never spoken publicly about his/her team.” Despite her “reclusive public image, Ford seems to be taking a more active role” behind the scenes than her late husband WILLIAM CLAY FORD SR. She is “frequently in her Allen Park office" and often "traveled to road games last season," including the London game (MLIVE.com, 3/23).
BACK TO TENNESSEE: AMY ADAMS STRUNK, the daughter of late Titans Owner BUD ADAMS, represented the franchise yesterday at the owners meetings. Also attending the meetings are Adams’ grandson, KENNETH ADAMS IV, who is on the team’s BOD, and interim President STEVE UNDERWOOD, who “will help lead the search” for President & CEO TOMMY SMITH’s replacement (Nashville TENNESSEAN, 3/24).
