Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Valentim Tereshkova
Theo Benedet’s family has played an important role in his journey from Canada to the NFL. The Chicago Bears offensive tackle was raised by parents with distinguished careers in law: his mother, Janine Benedet, is a professor at the University of British Columbia, while his father, Trevor Shaw, has worked as a prosecutor in British Columbia. He also has a younger sister named Lucie Benedet, who has been involved in the French-speaking community in Canada.
Born on October 12, 2001, in Toronto, Ontario, Theo Benedet grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, before playing college football for the UBC Thunderbirds. He joined the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2024 and developed into an NFL offensive lineman. Although his family background is documented in several interviews and public records, Benedet keeps his romantic relationships private. As of now, he has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend, wife or children.
Theo Benedet’s Girlfriend: Is the Chicago Bears Player Dating Anyone?
Theo Benedet has not publicly confirmed a current girlfriend. The Canadian offensive tackle generally maintains a private personal life, with most of his interviews focusing on football, his upbringing, education and professional development.
Unlike several other NFL players who regularly share photographs of their romantic partners, Benedet has not publicly introduced a girlfriend through an official Chicago Bears interview or established sports publication.
His relationship status has consequently remained largely unknown to the public.
Although Benedet maintains a social media presence, reliable reporting has not established the identity of a current romantic partner.
As of now, there is insufficient verified information to determine whether Theo Benedet is single or privately dating someone.
Is Theo Benedet Married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Theo Benedet is married.
The Chicago Bears offensive lineman has not announced a wedding, introduced a wife or confirmed an engagement through official NFL communications.
His publicly documented personal life primarily concerns his parents, younger sister and Canadian upbringing.
Therefore, as of now, no marriage has been publicly established for Theo Benedet.
Theo Benedet’s Children: Does He Have Kids?
Theo Benedet has no publicly confirmed children. There are no reliable reports identifying a son or daughter belonging to the Chicago Bears offensive tackle.
Benedet has not publicly announced becoming a father or provided verified information about having biological or adopted children.
His interviews about family have focused mainly on his parents, younger sister, education and development as a football player.
As of now, there is no verified public information establishing that Theo Benedet has children.
Theo Benedet’s Parents: Meet Janine Benedet and Trevor Shaw
Theo Benedet was raised by Janine Benedet and Trevor Shaw, who have established careers in Canada’s legal profession.
His mother is a prominent law professor at the University of British Columbia, while his father has worked in criminal prosecution.
Some secondary sports publications identify his father as Trevor Benedet. However, the published obituary of Theo’s maternal grandfather, John Lawrence Benedet, identifies Janine’s partner as Trevor Shaw and names Theo and Lucie among the grandchildren.
That family record provides stronger evidence for the surname Shaw.
Both parents influenced Theo’s upbringing, particularly his education, bilingual development and participation in different sports.
Theo Benedet’s Father: Trevor Shaw
Trevor Shaw is identified in published family records as the partner of Janine Benedet and is associated with Theo Benedet’s upbringing.
Shaw has built a career in Canada’s legal system, including work as a prosecutor and legal administrator in British Columbia.
A government biography identifies Trevor Shaw as the Head of the BC Prosecution Service and Assistant Deputy Attorney General, positions he assumed in April 2025.
He previously served as Director of Criminal Appeals and Special Prosecutions.
Beyond his legal career, Trevor has been involved in sports and recreational activities, including rowing, cycling, archery and fencing, according to an August 2024 family profile published by EssentiallySports.
His own sporting interests helped create an environment in which Theo could experiment with different athletic disciplines.
How Theo Benedet’s Father Influenced His Education
One of Trevor’s most significant contributions to Theo’s upbringing was his emphasis on bilingual education.
During an interview published by Le Journal de Montréal in May 2024, Theo explained that his father was born in Ottawa and grew up partly in Switzerland.
Because Trevor spoke French, he wanted his children to become comfortable communicating in both English and French.
As a result, Theo attended a French-language elementary school in British Columbia.
The family also spent approximately one year living in Lyon, France, providing another opportunity for the children to develop their language skills.
These experiences contributed to Theo’s ability to speak French fluently.
He later explained that his French accent reflects the different regional influences he encountered while growing up.
His bilingual upbringing became an interesting part of his NFL career, particularly when he began communicating in French with Chicago Bears teammate Kiran Amegadjie, who also speaks the language.
Theo Benedet’s Mother: Janine Benedet
Janine Benedet is Theo Benedet’s mother and a distinguished Canadian legal scholar.
She is a professor at the Peter A. Allard School of Law at the University of British Columbia.
According to her official university biography, Janine graduated from UBC’s law school before completing postgraduate studies at the University of Michigan.
She earned a Master of Laws degree and a Doctor of Juridical Science degree.
Janine also served as a law clerk to Justice Frank Iacobucci at the Supreme Court of Canada.
Before returning to UBC in 2005, she practiced labour and employment law and taught at Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto.
Her academic research focuses on criminal law, gender equality and legal responses to sexual violence.
She has also held university leadership roles, including Associate Dean and Dean pro tem at the Allard School of Law.
Her professional achievements reflect the importance placed on education within the Benedet family.
Why Janine Benedet Initially Worried About Football
Although Janine supported her son’s athletic development, she initially had reservations about his participation in American football.
Theo developed an interest in several sports during childhood, including soccer, basketball and track and field.
His mother encouraged him to remain active but was concerned about the physical demands associated with football.
According to an August 2024 EssentiallySports profile, UBC head coach Blake Nill noticed Theo’s athletic potential while he was attending Handsworth Secondary School.
When Nill approached Janine about her son’s future in football, she expressed surprise because she had spent years attempting to keep him away from the sport.
However, the coach believed Theo had the physical abilities required to develop into an outstanding offensive lineman.
Janine eventually supported his decision to pursue football more seriously.
Her primary condition was that he complete his university education while continuing his athletic career.
Theo accepted the responsibility, allowing him to pursue football without abandoning his academic ambitions.
How Janine Benedet Supported Her Son’s NFL Dream
As Theo developed into one of Canada’s most accomplished university offensive linemen, Janine became increasingly supportive of his ambitions.
She watched him progress from a talented high school athlete into a two-time winner of the J. P. Metras Trophy, awarded to Canada’s outstanding university football lineman.
In her comments to EssentiallySports, Janine described her son as highly competitive but also thoughtful and interested in history.
She explained that his determination appeared in activities outside football, including family board games.
Theo’s willingness to compete intensely while remaining considerate of other people became an important part of his personality.
When he signed with the Chicago Bears in April 2024, the achievement represented the culmination of years of athletic and academic development.
His mother’s willingness to support his sporting ambitions despite her initial concerns played an important role in that journey.
Theo Benedet’s Siblings: Meet His Younger Sister Lucie Benedet
Theo Benedet has a younger sister named Lucie Benedet. Her identity is confirmed in published family records and sports reporting about the Chicago Bears offensive tackle.
The siblings grew up in Vancouver and experienced a bilingual upbringing influenced by their parents.
Although Theo pursued professional football, Lucie developed interests involving education, language and community participation.
Lucie Benedet: Theo Benedet’s Younger Sister
Lucie Benedet is Theo Benedet’s younger sister and a member of the family’s French-speaking Canadian community.
Like her brother, Lucie was raised in an environment where learning both English and French was encouraged.
During his May 2024 interview with Le Journal de Montréal, Theo mentioned that his sister was actively involved in the francophone community in British Columbia.
Her involvement reflects the importance their parents placed on bilingual education and maintaining connections with French-speaking culture.
Public records from the Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique also identify Lucie Benedet as a youth network representative during meetings in 2024.
Although her older brother has achieved national recognition through professional football, Lucie has generally maintained a comparatively private personal life.
As of now, detailed information about her current occupation and personal relationships has not been extensively documented in major sports publications.
Does Theo Benedet Have a Brother?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Theo Benedet has a brother.
Published family records identify Lucie as his sister, while sports profiles discussing his immediate family have not established additional siblings.
Therefore, Lucie remains his only publicly confirmed sibling.
Theo Benedet’s Grandfather: Who Was John Lawrence Benedet?
Another notable member of Theo Benedet’s extended family was his maternal grandfather, Dr. John Lawrence Benedet, also known as Lou Benedet.
He was a Canadian physician and specialist in gynecological oncology.
Born on August 4, 1941, in Trail, British Columbia, John Lawrence Benedet later studied medicine at the University of British Columbia.
He graduated from medical school in 1966 and pursued specialized training in England and California.
During his professional career, he became a professor at UBC’s Faculty of Medicine and held a leadership position at the BC Cancer Agency.
He contributed to research and screening programs aimed at preventing cervical cancer.
According to his obituary, he authored more than 100 scientific publications and received recognition for his contributions to medicine.
He was also named Italian of the Year by the BC Confratellanza Italo-Canadese in 1997.
John Lawrence Benedet died on March 1, 2017, at the age of 75.
His obituary identifies Theo and Lucie among his grandchildren, providing an additional documentary connection to the Benedet family’s history.
Theo Benedet’s Childhood and French-Canadian Upbringing
Theo Benedet was born in Toronto, Ontario, before growing up in North Vancouver, British Columbia.
His childhood was shaped by a combination of Canadian sporting traditions and European cultural influences.
Because his father had lived in Switzerland and spoke French, Theo attended French-language schools and developed fluency in the language.
His family’s temporary residence in Lyon, France, also influenced his linguistic development.
Outside the classroom, Benedet participated in several sports, including soccer and basketball.
He spent considerable time playing soccer as a goalkeeper, a position that helped develop his coordination, balance and reaction speed.
He also participated in shot put before concentrating on American football.
Unlike many future NFL players who begin competitive football during early childhood, Benedet did not seriously pursue the sport until approximately Grade 10.
He attended Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver, where he initially played different positions before developing into an offensive lineman.
His size, athleticism and ability to move effectively attracted the attention of college football coaches.
How Theo Benedet’s Family Influenced His NFL Career
Theo Benedet’s journey to the NFL demonstrates how education, athletic development and family encouragement can shape a professional sports career.
His parents encouraged him to pursue academic goals while remaining active in several sports.
His mother initially had concerns about football’s physical demands, but she eventually supported his ambitions after recognizing his potential.
His father also contributed to his upbringing through an emphasis on bilingual education and participation in different athletic activities.
College Football at the University of British Columbia
After graduating from Handsworth Secondary School, Benedet joined the University of British Columbia in 2019.
He quickly earned a starting position on the Thunderbirds’ offensive line.
His development continued despite the interruption of the 2020 university football season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In 2022, Benedet earned first-team All-Canadian recognition and won the J. P. Metras Trophy as the country’s outstanding university football lineman.
He repeated both achievements in 2023, becoming the first offensive lineman to win the J. P. Metras Trophy twice.
During his final university season, he helped UBC reach the Vanier Cup championship game for the first time since 2015.
His achievements attracted the attention of NFL scouts and established him as one of Canada’s leading professional football prospects.
Joining the Chicago Bears in 2024
Although Theo Benedet received attention from NFL teams, he was not selected in the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, the Chicago Bears signed him as an undrafted free agent on April 27, 2024.
The decision allowed him to pursue a career in the NFL rather than immediately joining the Canadian Football League.
The BC Lions subsequently selected him with the 15th overall pick in the second round of the 2024 CFL Draft, maintaining his Canadian football rights.
Benedet spent the 2024 NFL season developing on Chicago’s practice squad.
In 2025, he earned a place on the Bears’ active roster and appeared in 16 regular-season games, making eight starts.
His first NFL start came in Week 4 against the Las Vegas Raiders.
He subsequently contributed at left tackle, helping Chicago’s offensive line during an important stage of the season.
Benedet also appeared in Chicago’s postseason games against the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams.
His transition from Canadian university football to the NFL represented a significant professional achievement.
He entered the 2026 season as a member of the Chicago Bears’ offensive line, continuing the career that began at Handsworth Secondary School in North Vancouver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Theo Benedet’s Family
Who are Theo Benedet’s parents?
Theo Benedet’s mother is Janine Benedet, a law professor at the University of British Columbia. His father is identified as Trevor Shaw in published family records, although some secondary sports reporting refers to him as Trevor Benedet.
Who is Theo Benedet’s girlfriend?
As of now, Theo Benedet has not publicly confirmed a girlfriend. His relationship status remains private.
Is Theo Benedet married?
There is no reliable public confirmation that Theo Benedet is married or has a wife.
Does Theo Benedet have children?
Theo Benedet has no publicly confirmed children and has not announced becoming a father.
Who is Theo Benedet’s mother?
His mother is Janine Benedet, a professor at UBC’s Peter A. Allard School of Law who has worked in legal education and research.
Who is Theo Benedet’s father?
His father is identified as Trevor Shaw in a family obituary. Shaw has worked as a prosecutor in British Columbia and is identified by the provincial government as Head of the BC Prosecution Service.
How many siblings does Theo Benedet have?
Theo Benedet has one publicly confirmed sibling, a younger sister named Lucie Benedet.
Who is Theo Benedet’s sister?
His sister is Lucie Benedet, who has been involved in British Columbia’s French-speaking community and youth representation activities.
Does Theo Benedet speak French?
Yes. Theo Benedet speaks French fluently. His father encouraged bilingual education, and Theo attended French-language schools and lived in Lyon, France, during part of his childhood.
Where is Theo Benedet’s family from?
Theo Benedet was born in Toronto, Ontario, and grew up in North Vancouver, British Columbia. His family also has connections to Ottawa, Switzerland, France and Italy.
Who was Theo Benedet’s grandfather?
His maternal grandfather was Dr. John Lawrence Benedet, a Canadian physician and gynecological oncologist who worked at the University of British Columbia and the BC Cancer Agency.
What NFL team does Theo Benedet play for?
Theo Benedet plays offensive line for the Chicago Bears, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in April 2024.
Valentim Tereshkova is a sports journalist and NFL analyst specializing in team dynamics, scheme breakdowns, and league-wide trends. Covering everything from offseason roster construction and Draft developments to Sunday game plans and Super Bowl contenders, he delivers clear, sharp commentary on the gridiron. Valentim combines stat-driven analysis with a passion for football storytelling to give readers an expert look into the AFC and NFC.
