Hard Knocks fans hoping to get an up-close look at an NFL team got exactly what they asked for with Chicago Bears rookie Theo Benedet on the latest episode.
As part of a team tradition, the rookies had to perform some sort of talent act in front of the rest of the team.
Benedet chose to sing because of his talented performance.
To show his gratitude for being a welcomed Canadian in the United States, he performed Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA.”
Benedet began the performance shirtless, but once he got to the chorus, the rookie lineman also removed his pants, revealing an American flag and underwear featuring a bald eagle.
Theo Benedet is a rookie offensive lineman trying to make the Chicago Bears roster.
Benedet stripped naked to sing ‘God Bless the USA’ during a Bears rookie talent show
His best trunks drew laughs from the room, including from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams.
Once the laughter died down, many players on the Chicago roster sang along.
Benedet’s performance also featured a fellow rookie playing the mini cymbals behind him.
Although Benedet was selected in the second round of the Canadian Football League draft by the BC Lions, he opted to try out the NFL first and was signed as an undrafted free agent by Chicago.
The paths for an undrafted rookie to make it into a 53-man NFL roster are difficult, and many veteran players and star rookies have those spots locked up.
Singing ability is not usually considered when evaluating a player’s suitability for an NFL roster. That criterion could be included for the first time in Benedet’s case.