Theo Benedet
Theo Benedet (born October 12, 2001) is a Canadian professional football offensive tackle for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). Standing 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) and weighing around 304 lb (138 kg), he plays the tackle position and wears number 79 for the Bears. A former U Sports standout at the University of British Columbia, Benedet earned the nickname the “Canadian Eagle” during his college years. He signed with Chicago as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and has since become a regular contributor along the offensive line.
Early Life and Background
Theo Benedet was born in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia. He attended Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver, where he first developed an interest in the sport of football. Although he grew up a fan of the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, Benedet did not compete in football seriously until he reached the 10th grade at Handsworth.
His late start did not prevent him from quickly developing into a top prospect at the high school level. Benedet committed to play U Sports football for the University of British Columbia (UBC) Thunderbirds, choosing to stay close to home in British Columbia. His size, athleticism, and quick progress at the high school level positioned him as one of the most intriguing Canadian offensive line recruits of his class.
Path to American Football
Benedet arrived at UBC in 2019 and immediately became a starter on the offensive line as a first-year player. His early playing time allowed him to gain valuable experience at the university level despite his youth. The 2020 U Sports season was cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, limiting his development that year, but he returned to play seven games during the 2021 season.
In 2022, Benedet was named a First-team All-Canadian and won the J. P. Metras Trophy as the best lineman in U Sports football. That same season, he helped UBC field one of the strongest U Sports rushing offences and reach the Hardy Cup for the first time in four years. He was also the only U Sports player selected to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl, an event that traditionally showcases top college talent for professional scouts.
Theo Benedet Career
UBC Thunderbirds Era (2019-2023)
Benedet spent five seasons with the UBC Thunderbirds program, with the 2020 season lost to the pandemic. After serving as a reliable starter early in his career, he emerged as one of the most dominant offensive linemen in U Sports. In 2023, he repeated as a First-team All-Canadian and as the J. P. Metras Trophy winner, becoming the first offensive lineman to capture the award in back-to-back years.
His senior season at UBC also brought team success, as the Thunderbirds reached the Vanier Cup for the first time since 2015. Although Benedet was projected as a top pick in the 2023 CFL draft, he and fellow UBC offensive lineman Giovanni Manu opted to return for a final season, a decision that strengthened his draft profile for the NFL.
Chicago Bears Era (2024-Present)
Benedet was not selected in the 2024 NFL draft, but he signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent. He was also selected in the second round, 15th overall, by the BC Lions in the 2024 CFL draft. Benedet was waived by the Bears on August 27 of that year before being re-signed to the practice squad, and on January 6, 2025, he signed a reserve/future contract with Chicago.
During the 2025 offseason, Benedet competed with Braxton Jones, Kiran Amegadjie, and Ozzy Trapilo for the Bears’ starting left tackle role. Jones won the job, and Benedet opened the year as his backup and the swing tackle. In Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders, Benedet took over at right tackle after Darnell Wright suffered an injury, and he later moved to left tackle in place of Jones. The Bears named Benedet the starting left tackle from that point on.
Driving Style and Strengths
Although offensive tackle is a position rather than a driving role, Benedet’s strengths lie in his combination of size, length, and athleticism for a 6 ft 7 in lineman. He has shown the versatility to play both left and right tackle effectively in the NFL. Coaches have valued his ability to step in at multiple spots along the offensive line while continuing to develop his technique and strength at the professional level.
Notable Events and Milestones
A memorable 2025 moment came during the Week 14 game against the Green Bay Packers, when Benedet reported as an eligible receiver for a trick play but was clipped by a Packers defender as he ran his route. Quarterback Caleb Williams instead threw a touchdown pass to tight end Colston Loveland on the play. Benedet also suffered a quad injury in November 2025, briefly losing the starting role to Ozzy Trapilo before returning as the swing tackle.
Theo Benedet Career Wins and Honors
Theo Benedet’s most prominent honors came during his time at UBC, where he earned two of the top individual awards in U Sports football. His combination of team success and individual recognition made him one of the most decorated Canadian offensive linemen of his era.
U Sports Highlights
Benedet is a two-time J. P. Metras Trophy winner (2022, 2023) and a two-time First-team All-Canadian selection (2022, 2023). He also helped UBC reach the Hardy Cup in 2022 and the Vanier Cup in 2023, marking the program’s first national championship game appearance since 2015.
Other Honors and Performances
Benedet was invited to the College Gridiron Showcase and selected to the 2023 East-West Shrine Bowl as the lone U Sports participant. He was also a second-round pick, 15th overall, by the BC Lions in the 2024 CFL draft, and he appeared in 16 games with 8 starts for the Chicago Bears through the 2025 season.
Theo Benedet Family
Family Background and Personal Life
Public information about Theo Benedet’s immediate family is limited. He was born in Toronto, Ontario, and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he attended Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver. His upbringing in British Columbia helped shape his connection to the BC Lions, the CFL team he grew up supporting.
Personal Life
Benedet resides in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, and maintains an active presence on social media through his official Instagram account. Further details about his parents, marital status, or children are not publicly confirmed at this time.
2025 Season Performance
Theo Benedet’s 2025 season with the Chicago Bears represented his first extended opportunity as a regular contributor on an NFL offensive line. After entering the year as the backup to Braxton Jones at left tackle, Benedet earned a larger role following injuries along the offensive line. By the middle of the season, the Bears had named him the starting left tackle, highlighting the trust the coaching staff placed in his development.
Through the 2025 campaign, Benedet appeared in 16 games and made 8 starts, contributing at both tackle spots and occasionally serving as a swing tackle. A quad injury in November briefly forced him out of the starting lineup in favor of Ozzy Trapilo, but he returned to a rotational role once healthy. He also continued to be used in specialty packages, including as an eligible receiver on trick plays such as the memorable Week 14 game against the Green Bay Packers.
Looking ahead, Benedet remains a part of the Bears’ long-term plans along the offensive line. His two-way play, versatility, and continued physical development position him as a key piece of Chicago’s front-five depth heading into the following offseason.
