Joey Chestnut was called in from the bullpen during Ole Miss football’s spring game on Saturday and demolished 20 hot dogs in 90 seconds. The greatest competitive eater of all-time put on a masterful performance after Lane Kiffin slid into his DMs.
It was a beautiful sight on a beautiful day in Oxford, Mississippi!
(You might be confused by everything that was just said. I don’t blame you. Let me explain…)
The Rebels were dealing with some minor injuries during the spring practice period this year and decided to switch things up. In lieu of a traditional spring game, since they scrimmage every weekend anyway, Ole Miss made its annual ‘Grove Bowl’ into the ‘Grove Bowl Games.’
They played four quarters of 7-on-7 flag football and held a variety of random competitions instead of putting on the pads. The entire afternoon was centered around fun so the field looked a bit different.
It got started with a dunk contest.
A tug-of-war competition included everybody from defensive analyst Joe Judge (yes, the former New York Giants head coach) to various sororities on campus. Pi Phi absolutely dominated.
Jaxson Dart even threw a couple of… darts!
And then it was time for the hot dog eating contest.
Joey Chestnut was in the house!
Lane Kiffin literally slid into his DMs on X and got him to Oxford for the weekend.
I saw message requests and was like, ‘Who is this guy?’ And I was like, ‘Oh my God, it’s really Lane Kiffin.’ And I was like, ‘Yeah I think I can shovel around some things and be free on Saturday.’
— Joey Chestnut, via Michael Katz of the Daily Journal
And then it was time to get things started.
Chestnut was not initially involved in the competition. However, Ole Miss offensive lineman Diego Pounds got off to a frustratingly slow start so Kiffin subbed him out. (It might have been planned…)
In stepped the G.O.A.T., who crushed 20 hot dogs in one minute and 30 seconds!
As the Fourth of July quickly approaches, Chestnut will start ramping up his preparation. He made a promise to his fans.
Runners have to run, eaters have to eat!
I haven’t really put much work into hot dogs yet, but come end of the month, I’m going to be doing hot dog practices every week. These numbers are going to be going up.
I’m going to make a run at the record this year.
— Joey Chestnut
Even though the legend himself downplayed his performance, Kiffin was impressed.
The first-ever Grove Bowl Games was an overwhelming success. Everybody had fun.
Joey Chestnut’s dominance, of course, was the highlight!