Sports Fans React To Joey Chestnut’s Retirement Plans originally appeared on The Spun.
Joey Chestnut is officially back in the spotlight this Fourth of July weekend.
Chestnut was not allowed to compete in the 2024 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest due to his partnership with Impossible Foods. The 16-time event champion had to watch from the sidelines as Patrick Bertoletti claimed his first title at New York’s Coney Island.
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Luckily for fans who enjoy the annual Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, Chestnut has received permission to participate in this Friday’s event.
“While I have and continue to partner with a variety of companies, including some in the plant-based space, those relationships were never a conflict with my love for hot dogs,” Chestnut said. “To be clear: Nathan’s is the only hot dog company I’ve ever worked with. I respect that there were differences in interpretation, but I’m grateful we’ve been able to find common ground.”
If you’re worried about this being Chestnut’s final Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest, we’ve got some good news for you.
Joey Chestnut celebrates his 15th championship title during the 2022 Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest on Coney Island on July 4, 2022 in New York. – Joey Chestnut ate 63 hot dogs and buns. (Photo by Yuki IWAMURA / AFP) (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)YUKI IWAMURA/Getty Images
During an appearance on “Pardon My Take,” Chestnut was asked if he’d consider retiring from competitive eating. His response was as epic as it gets.
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“Retirement would be death,” Chestnut said. “I’m doing this until the wheels fall off, baby.”
Fans had mostly positive reactions to Chestnut’s retirement plans.
“Everyone who says hot dogs are bad for them I say that this guy is still alive so we are all good,” one fan said in response to Chestnut’s remarks.
“He’s the goat,” another fan said.
“I love it,” a third fan replied.
“Maybe he should, eating that many hotdogs has really aged him,” an Instagram user commented.
Unsurprisingly, oddsmakers have Chestnut as a massive favorite to win the 2025 Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest.
As of now, Chestnut’s over-under for hot dogs and buns is set at 71.5, which is way higher than the 62 hot dogs and buns he consumed back in 2023.
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We’ll see if Chestnut hits the over in his return to Coney Island.
Related: Joey Chestnut Compares Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest To Legendary Sporting Event
Sports Fans React To Joey Chestnut’s Retirement Plans first appeared on The Spun on Jul 4, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.