Chicago Bears rookie Theo Benedet left little to the imagination during Heavy blows premiere episode.
The 22-year-old undrafted Canadian lineman proved his commitment to America after serenading his teammates with “God Bless USA” — while wearing a speedo!
The first episode of the HBO series features Benedet during the introduction of the team’s rookies performing for the Bears.
He started his performance shirtless with a sweatshirt, but when he got to the line “And I’m proud to be an American,” he tore off his pants to reveal a bald eagle speedo. He also had a teammate enhance the performance by banging a pair of miniature cymbals.
The room erupted in laughter and applause, but Benedet continued and sang for a few more seconds, proving his commitment to the new country – several players also joined in the chorus! He was then greeted with a standing ovation from NFL players and a new nickname, “The Canadian Eagle,” from head coach Matt Eberflus.
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Theo Benedet.
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Benedet was born in Toronto and grew up in Vancouver. He graduated from the University of British Columbia and was a forward on the university’s football team.
While the episode got off to a hilarious start, it was revealed later in the premiere that Benedet suffered a Grade 2 hamstring strain during the Hall of Fame game against the Houston Texans on Thursday, August 1, USA Today reports. The injury will sideline him for the next four to five weeks, meaning he won’t play in preseason games.
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Theo Benedet in Canton, Ohio on August 1, 2024.
Jason Pohuski/CSM via ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Chicago Bears coach explains why Jonathan Owens was allowed to cheer for Simone Biles in Paris: ‘We respect the Olympics’
Along with Benedetto’s insanely funny performance, top guard Caleb Williams was filmed singing John Legend’s “Ordinary People.”
Cameras also documented the team’s new safety Jonathan Owens supporting his wife Simone Biles at the 2024 Summer Olympics. When Owens first signed a two-year contract with the Bears, he agreed he could leave training camp to cheer on Biles in Paris.
“I really, really love supporting her in the Olympics,” Owens, 29, said of Biles, 27. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
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Hard knocks: Training camp with the Chicago Bears airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET on HBO and Max.
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Source: HIS Education