Raising Cane’s Founder Todd Graves Hints He Could Be in Line to Buy Saints Someday

New Orleans Saints fans longing for new ownership have latched onto a fresh name: Todd Graves, the Louisiana-born founder of Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers. While current owner Gayle Benson has repeatedly said the franchise is not for sale during her lifetime, Graves acknowledged for the first time that he could envision himself in the owner’s suite.

Speaking with TMZ during Super Bowl week at Jason and Travis Kelce’s New Heights podcast party, the Baton Rouge entrepreneur—famous for his LSU fandom and annual star-studded Super Bowl suite—said football’s blend of strategy, athleticism and fan-first culture appeals to him.

“For me, I love football,” Graves told the outlet. “I love the fanfare of it. I love the fact that coaches and teams have to put together this amazing play-calling, amazing teams, the athletes are incredible, so I love all that. It’s all about success and working hard and doing great and giving it all to the fans.”

Pressed on whether he would consider buying the Saints, Graves offered a measured but telling response: “Maybe, someday, that makes sense for me, right?”

Graves emphasized he is not actively pursuing a purchase and called any potential deal a “maybe someday down the line” conversation. Still, his relationship with Benson could prove advantageous if the team ever changes hands. “She’s a really sharp lady. I really respect her. We’re good friends,” he said. “I learn from her. She’s an incredible businesswoman … maybe some day, if she’s like, ‘Here are the reins,’ who knows?”

When the interviewer quipped, “You might have an in!” Graves laughed and replied, “I might have an in, you know? But you never know.”

Benson’s estate plan stipulates that proceeds from any future sale must benefit New Orleans charities and that the team must remain in the city—conditions Graves, a lifelong Louisianan, would presumably embrace. Other potential suitors could emerge; Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta has already voiced interest in adding an NFL franchise to his portfolio.

For now, Saints supporters will have to settle for speculation, but Graves’ candid comments signal that the Raising Cane’s CEO is at least keeping an eye on the black and gold’s long-term future.