Chicago Bears Rookie Theo Benedet Strips Down to Speedo During Team Meeting inHard KnocksPremiere

Mar. 15, 2025

Theo Benedet.Photo:Max

Max

Chicago Bearsrookie Theo Benedet left little to the imagination during theHard Knockspremiere episode.

The 22-year-old undrafted Canadian lineman proved his dedication to America after he serenaded his teammates with “God Bless the USA” — while in a speedo!

The HBO series’ first episode features Benedet during the team’s rookie showcase performing for the Bears.

The room erupted in laughter and applause, but Benedet kept at it and sang for another few seconds, proving his dedication to his new country — several players also joined in the chorus! Then he was met with a standing ovation from the NFL players and a new nickname, “The Canadian Eagle,” from head coach Matt Eberflus.

Theo Benedet.Max

The PEOPLE Puzzler crossword is here! How quickly can you solve it? Play now!

Benedet was born in Toronto and raised in Vancouver. He graduated from the University of British Columbia and was an offensive lineman on the university’s football team.

Although the episode began with a hilarious start, later on in the premiere, it was revealed that Benedet suffered a Grade 2 hamstring sprain during the Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, Aug. 1,USA Todayreports. His injury will keep him off the field for the next four to five weeks, meaning he will not play in preseason games.

Theo Benedet in Canton, Ohio, on Aug. 1, 2024.Jason Pohuski/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Jason Pohuski/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock

Along with Benedet’s wildly funny performance, top pick quarterbackCaleb Williamswas filmed singingJohn Legend’s “Ordinary People.”

The cameras also documented the team’s new safetyJonathan Owenssupporting his wife,Simone Biles, at the2024 Summer Olympics. When Owens first signed a two-year contract with the Bears, henegotiatedthat he’d be able to leave training camp tocheer Biles on in Paris.

“I really, really love to support her at the Olympics,” Owens, 29, said of Biles, 27. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bearsairs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.

source: people.com