Gayle Benson is one of more in-demand public figures during Super Bowl LIX week in New Orleans. The owner of the Saints and Pelicans is not only the face of some of the more upscale parties of the week, she has also been frequently-honored guest at events throughout the city this week.

Benson was recognized at the Fritz-Pollard Alliance Foundation annual Super Bowl Week luncheon on Thursday afternoon. The organization focuses on pushing the NFL forward in diversity, equity and inclusion. It’s named after Pollard, the first Black coach and one of the first two Black players in NFL history.

Benson stood and waved her hand after being acknowledged at the beginning of the program before leaving to appear at other obligations.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said that despite President Donald Trump’s public disagreements with DEI initiatives, the NFL will keep theirs in place. Trump is scheduled to attend Super Bowl LIX.

“If anyone doubts the commitment to diversity, I [can you point to] the success we’ve had with diversity because it’s made us better,” Goodell said at the Alliance ceremony. “We looked at it as, not only the right thing to do, but because it’s actually good for our organization. The better talent comes into your organization, the better you’re going to be. We’re in a business where attracting talent, building teams and winning is what it’s all about- and it’s the same [standard] off the field.”

Las Vegas Raiders president Sandra Douglass Morgan, who was honored at last year’s Super Bowl in Vegas by the same organization, also agreed the Fritz Pollard Alliance Foundation is very necessary.

“The mission is so important,” Morgan said to the Times-Picayune at Thursday’s NFL Honors. “The work that they do is so important that they make sure that different people of all different backgrounds have an opportunity to be able to rise through the ranks of the NFL.

“I was just privileged and honored to be acknowledged last year and I’m looking forward to the great work that they’re going to do moving forward.”

One of the other honorees from this year’s event was journalist Maria Taylor.

“The legend that is Fritz Pollard and what he did for the NFL is something that can not go unnoticed,” Taylor said to the Times-Picayune after the ceremony. “His place in history stands among legends. To even be acknowledged by this foundation means everything because I hope in my small way that I can blaze a trail for young women who may be interested in sports broadcasting.

“So to come here and be a part of this panel with amazing women certainly made my day and my Super Bowl experience so far.”

Women still receiving flowers

Another event was Women Raise the Game. This year’s ceremony honored Visionary of the Year, Ashley Smith; Advocate of the Year, Sabrina Greenlee;  Constance Schwartz-Morini, Woman of the Year.

Schwartz-Morini is behind SMAC Entertainment and a large part of the marketing machines around Deion Sanders and Michael Strahan.

“I am incredibly honored to be recognized as Woman of the Year by Women Raise The Game,” Schwartz-Morini said, according to a press release. “The mission resonates deeply with my own journey. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that success is never achieved alone—it’s built through meaningful connections, shared opportunities, and a commitment to collaboration.”

Channen Johnson, the wife of Saints wide receiver Juwan Johnson, hosted “For The W” on Friday, as well. The event was created to celebrate the wives, girlfriends, moms, sisters and daughters of the NFL.