The Wieners Circle is a food institution in downtown Chicago. They may also have stumbled upon the single most brilliant marketing campaign in recent memory. It started when they stated they'd give free hot dogs to all patrons if Caleb Williams threw four touchdowns against the Dallas Cowboys. He did. Next, they said they'd do it again if head coach Ben Johnson took his shirt off in a post-game locker room by the end of the season. He did it following the big victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
Well, the third time is the charm, as they say. The restaurant decided to drop another challenge. Once again, it was directed at Coach Johnson. However, it has nothing to do with shirt removal this time. Their stipulation is simple. The Bears have to pull off a touchdown play to a big man at some point during the game against the Green Bay Packers on Saturday night. We're talking an offensive lineman. If it's done, more free hot dogs for the Chicago faithful. Anyone who knows Johnson's history will immediately understand that this tickles him. Few coaches have a greater love for gadget plays than he.
Ben Johnson already tried in the first matchup against Green Bay.
In the 4th quarter, trailing 21-14, the Bears had the ball at the 1-yard line. Tackle Theo Benedet went in motion to the left. However, at the snap, he was undercut by a Packers defender. The belief is that Benedet was the intended receiver on the play, and Green Bay should've been called for a penalty. It ended up not mattering as Caleb Williams found Colston Loveland for a touchdown anyway. Still, it was clear Johnson had designs on a big man touchdown. There is no reason to think he won't in this game either. It all depends on the situation.
This isn't something the Bears will focus on. They're only objective is winning the football game. Ben Johnson will call that play for the sole purpose of whether the Packers present the opportunity. Free hot dogs is great. A potential division title is better. Either way, the PR campaign around this exchange is one of the coolest parts of the season for the city. It happened by complete happenstance and has grown into a rally cry for the team's season. Here's hoping it continues.
