Ben Johnson’s Shirtless Celebration Sparks Unexpected Hot Dog Giveaway Controversy in Chicago

Black Friday in Chicago this year wasn’t just about scoring discounts at the mall — it turned into a celebration led by none other than Ben Johnson, the rookie head coach of the Bears. More than 700 miles away, in the heart of Philadelphia, Johnson delivered a statement that echoed far beyond the football field. After guiding his NFC North-leading team to a stunning 25-14 victory over the defending Super Bowl champions, he tore off his shirt in a rousing locker room moment, setting off a chain reaction that spoiled Chicagoans with free hot dogs from the beloved Wieners Circle. This gesture wasn’t just a gimmick; it was a promise kept from a deal struck weeks earlier, and a vivid sign of the fiery spirit breathing life into a Bears team roaring back from a rocky start to clinch their best record in years. The city was hungry — not just for victory, but for a slice of joy, and Johnson delivered on both counts. LEARN MORE.

On Black Friday, Ben Johnson delivered the best deal in the city of Chicago. He went shirtless, guaranteeing everyone free hot dogs from The Wieners Circle, a popular north side hot dog stand.

The first-year head coach did so more than 700 miles away in Philadelphia, where his NFC North-leading Bears defeated the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, 25-14.

After the win, which improved Chicago’s record to 9-3, Johnson finished a celebratory yet fiery address to his players with a fun twist.

“I know you guys are hungry for more, right?” Johnson asked rhetorically, as shown in a video the Bears posted to X after the victory. “Let me tell you something. The city of Chicago is hungry, too.”

Before ripping off his shirt, Johnson added: “They’re hungry for some hot dogs!”

The Bears went crazy inside the visiting locker room of Lincoln Financial Field. They’ve won five games in a row and nine of their last 10 after starting the season 0-2.

They’ve clinched their first winning season since 2018 and just their second since 2012. By going topless in the locker room Friday, Johnson held up his end of a deal Wieners Circle offered more than a month ago: If Johnson took off his shirt during a game or postgame speech in the locker room, the Lincoln Park hot dog stand would give away free hot dogs again, just like it did after quarterback Caleb Williams threw four touchdown passes in a win over the Dallas Cowboys in Week 3.

Back in late October, Johnson was asked if he heard about the offer.

“That’s been mentioned,” he said at the time, drawing laughter from reporters.

Johnson then noted: “It’s a little disturbing. Why would we want to see that? …”

A reporter jokingly followed up with, “Do you not want people to eat, Ben?”

A beaming Johnson came back with, “I’m a man of the people, so time will tell.”

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Williams, who tossed a fourth-quarter touchdown Friday against the Eagles to give the Bears a two-score lead with 6:19 remaining, was asked at the podium about Johnson ditching his shirt in the locker room.

“He’s a man of the people, let’s say that,” Williams said with a smile postgame.

Johnson will surely be bundled up tomorrow, though. Heavy snow is in the Chicago forecast. Good thing Wieners Circle is offering those free hot dogs on Tuesday.