Chicago Bears rookie Theo Benedet left little to the imagination during the Hard Knocks premiere 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.
He started his performance shirtless with a pair of sweatpants, but as he reached the “And I’m proud to be an American” line, he ripped off his pants and showed off a speedo with a bald eagle design. He also had a fellow teammate elevate the performance by banging a pair of miniature cymbals.
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.
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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 Today reports. His injury will keep him off the field for the next four to five weeks, meaning he will not play in preseason games.
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Along with Benedet’s wildly funny performance, top pick quarterback Caleb Williams was filmed singing John Legend‘s “Ordinary People.”
The 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 negotiated that he’d be able to leave training camp to cheer 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.”
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Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
