Theo Benedet

Canadian gridiron football player

American football player

Theo Benedet
No. 62 – Chicago Bears
Position:	Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(2001-10-12) October 12, 2001 (age 22) Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Height:	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Weight:	305 lb (138 kg)
Career information
High school:	Handsworth Secondary School
University:	UBC (2019–2023)
CFL Draft:	2024 / Round: 2 / Pick: 15
Career history
Chicago Bears (2024–present)

Roster status:	Active
Career highlights and awards
2× J. P. Metras Trophy (2022, 2023)

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 in Ontario and grew up in Vancouver in British Columbia, Benedet 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]

References

^ Karchut, Elizabeth (1 February 2019). "Commits believe UBC a 'premier program'". Canada Football Chat. Retrieved 27 April 2024.
^ "NFL Draft Profile: Theo Benedet, Offensive Lineman, British Columbia Thunderbirds". Sports Illustrated. January 28, 2023.
^ ^a ^b Gumboc, Annaliese (April 25, 2024). "The NFL has never drafted a player straight from UBC. Giovanni Manu and Theo Benedet could change that". The Ubyssey.
^ Ralph, Dan (January 31, 2024). "UBC's Benedet still feeling the anguish of Vanier Cup loss". The Vancouver Sun. The Canadian Press. p. N11 – via Newspapers.com.
^ Ewen, Steve (January 28, 2023). "Top UBC offensive linemen run reverse play, opting out of CFL draft for another T-Bird season". The Province.
^ "Theo Benedet". UBC Thunderbirds.
^ Prest, Andy (January 29, 2023). "North Van football player earns trip to prestigious East-West Shrine Bowl". North Shore News.
^ Abbott, JC (January 27, 2024). "2024 CFL Draft profiles: UBC offensive lineman Theo Benedet aiming to be first NFL pick from U Sports since 2016". 3DownNation.com.
^ Abbott, JC (January 19, 2023). "UBC offensive lineman Theo Benedet selected to East-West Shrine Bowl". 3DownNation.com.
^ ^a ^b "UBC lineman Benedet top-ranked Canadian university player on CFL winter scouting list". The Sports Network. The Canadian Press. January 25, 2024.
^ Ewen, Steve (April 25, 2024). "UBC has never had a player picked in the NFL Draft — could they have two by the end of the weekend?". The Province.
^ Dunk, Justin (27 April 2024). "University of British Columbia OL Theo Benedet signs NFL undrafted free agent contract with Chicago Bears: sources". 3DownNation.com. Retrieved 28 April 2024.
^ Mayer, Larry (May 9, 2024). "Roster Moves: Bears agree to terms with nine undrafted rookie free agents". ChicagoBears.com.
^ Baker, Matt (April 30, 2024). "Lions Select Eight Prospects In 2024 CFL Draft". BC Lions.