Joey Chestnut has a rather unconventional job, but that’s okay, because he sought out a like-minded bride. In 2014, Chestnut proposed to Neslie Ricasa, who also participates in the world of competitive eating, on the same day of the hot dog contest. While on stage answering questions about her then-boyfriend, Chestnut snuck onto the stage. Once he had the microphone, he made his emotional proposal. “Baby, it’s been the best three years of my life an I can’t live without you,” Chestnut said. “You make me better. Will you marry me?”
Read Related Also: The 5 best knife sharpeners to shop now, per an expert chef
Although Ricasa said yes, the couple never got married following his proposal. During a sit-down with the New York Post in 2015, Chestnut claimed they couldn’t handle a long-distance relationship. “I definitely would say it was traveling. I was gone quite a bit,” he shared. “It was mutual. It just didn’t work,” he added. Fortunately, Chestnut was able to distract himself by working. “I thought it would be bittersweet,” added Chestnut. “I’m not going to let it hurt me. Last year, the whole engagement affected me. This year I will definitely have less distractions.”
