Theo Benedet (born October 12, 2001) is a Canadian gridiron football offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played U Sports football for the UBC Thunderbirds.

Early life

Benedet was born in Toronto, Ontario and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. He attended Handsworth Secondary School.^[1][2] He grew up a fan of the BC Lions but did not compete at football seriously until he was in 10th grade at Handsworth.^[3] He committed to play U Sports football for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds.^[3]

University career

Benedet immediately became a starter on the offensive line for UBC as a first year in 2019.^[4] The 2020 season was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.^[5] He appeared in seven games during the 2021 season.^[6] In 2022, he was named first-team All-Canadian and was the winner of the J. P. Metras Trophy for best lineman nationally, helping the team have one of the best U Sports rushing offences along with reaching their first Hardy Cup in four years.^[7] He was the only U Sports player selected to the 2023 East–West Shrine Bowl.^[8] Although projected to be a top pick in the 2023 CFL draft along with fellow UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu, they both opted to return for a final season.^[9] In 2023, Benedet repeated as a first-team All-Canadian selection and as the winner of the J. P. Metras Trophy, becoming the first offensive lineman to win the trophy twice in a row; he also helped the Thunderbirds reach the Vanier Cup for the first time since 2015.^[10]

Professional career

Benedet was invited to the College Gridiron Showcase.^[10] In addition to being projected as a top pick for the 2024 CFL draft, he also received attention as a potential selection in the 2024 NFL draft.^[11] He was not selected in the NFL draft, but later signed with the Chicago Bears as a undrafted free agent.^[12][13] Benedet was later drafted in the second round (15th overall) by the BC Lions in the 2024 CFL draft.^[14]