Canadian offensive lineman Theo Benedet went viral after the first episode of Hard Knocks.
The six-foot-seven, 295-pounder chose to sing ‘God Bless The U.S.A.’ by Lee Greenwood during the Chicago Bears rookie show. He topped the performance by tearing away his pants and revealing a bald eagle speedo.
Bears TE Theo Benedet sang ‘God Bless The USA” and stripped down to an eagle speedo for his rookie talent show 😂
pic.twitter.com/tT1Uz9SoHQ— Bussin’ With The Boys (@BussinWTB) August 7, 2024
The meeting room erupted with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, quarterback Caleb Williams among others smiling and approving of Benedet’s creativity. Head coach Matt Eberflus gave him the nickname: ‘The Canadian Eagle.’
The 22-year-old signed with the Bears as a priority undrafted free agent in April. His contract included a $20,000 USD signing bonus with $80,000 USD in base salary guaranteed for a $100,000 USD guaranteed total.
Benedet started every game in his four seasons at the University of British Columbia at right tackle, becoming the most decorated offensive lineman in Canadian university football history. The North Vancouver native is the first offensive player to win back-to-back J.P. Metras Trophies as the country’s top down lineman and secured first-team All-Canadian honours on both occasions.
He attended the East-West Shrine Bowl following the 2022 season but made a surprise decision to return to school and defer his draft year. Despite that fact, Benedet impressed as the only U Sports representative, finishing as the fifth-highest-graded offensive lineman according to Pro Football Focus and becoming the only blocker to rate in the 75th percentile or above in all pass-set metrics.
That performance fueled NFL attention throughout his final university season, with a double-digit amount of NFL franchises visiting UBC’s campus last season as the Thunderbirds made a run to the Vanier Cup, losing to the University of Montreal Carabins. He attended the College Gridiron Showcase in January and was one of the most interviewed prospects, speaking with nearly every NFL team in attendance.
Representatives from 16 NFL teams were on hand at UBC’s pro day in Vancouver at the end of March. The talented tackle put up 23 reps of 225 pounds on the bench while leaping 34.5 inches in the vertical and 114 inches in the broad. He clocked a 5.14-second forty-yard dash with a 1.77 ten-yard split, plus recorded a 7.69 three-cone and 4.60 short shuttle. He later travelled to Indianapolis for a Top 30 visit with the Colts and worked out privately for the Buffalo Bills in Toronto.
During his first NFL preseason action, Benedet suffered a hamstring strain against the Houston Texans.
