After 11 fiery seasons, it’s no surprise that Chicago Fire has earned a loyal fan base, thrilling storylines, and some of the most beloved characters in NBC’s One Chicago universe. But while the show heats up with rescues and romance on screen, it’s the behind-the-scenes bonds—and the surprising way the cast keeps things “too hot to handle”—that have fans buzzing.

This became crystal clear when two of the show’s longtime stars, Taylor Kinney (Lt. Kelly Severide) and Joe Miñoso (Joe Cruz), landed in PEOPLE’s coveted 2022 Sexiest Man Alive issue. For both actors, it wasn’t just recognition of their good looks—it was a celebration of their decade-long friendship, hilarious off-screen rituals, and the unexpected “secret romances” of Firehouse 51.

Brothers in Arms—and Big Macs

For Joe Miñoso, the honor was both flattering and funny, thanks to his co-star’s unique way of celebrating birthdays. “I don’t know how this guy rocks this body for 10 years the way he does and downs as many Big Macs as he does,” Miñoso joked about Kinney.

That’s not just talk. Kinney has made a tradition out of showering his friend with burgers every year, buying him as many Big Macs as his age. When Miñoso turned 44, no fewer than 44 Big Macs showed up at his trailer.

“I don’t know how I’m going to stay sexy if I just keep getting Big Macs from Taylor,” Miñoso laughed.

For Kinney, it’s all part of the family vibe that’s been cultivated on set. “I’ve been doing this for two years and it’s like family. We’re a surrogate family, and Joe’s birthday falls right in the perfect spot for Big Macs for some reason. It just hits the spot.”

“There’s something about Fall and Big Macs,” Miñoso added.

Zumba, Cardio, and Cruz’s Secret Weapon

While Kinney may swear by fast food indulgence, Miñoso has his own secret weapon for staying fit and fabulous: Zumba.

“I’m a big fan of Zumba,” Miñoso revealed. “I do a lot of cardio work with Zumba. I love bike riding.”

That passion for dance fitness didn’t just stay offscreen. In Season 3, Miñoso’s character Cruz taught a Zumba class to his fellow Firehouse 51 teammates, in one of the show’s most memorable—and hilarious—scenes.

“He ruled the roost, ruled the room,” Kinney recalled. “He had everybody going. Christian Stolte—Mouch—can dance! And that’s sexy.”

Miñoso grinned at the memory. “Jesse Spencer cannot. But also, kind of sexy.”

The Unseen Romances of Firehouse 51

While fans have obsessed over Severide’s love life and Cruz’s ups and downs on screen, Kinney and Miñoso’s real-life friendship has been one of the show’s best-kept “romances.” It’s a bromance rooted in laughter, traditions, and unwavering support through more than a decade of 18-hour workdays and endless night shoots.

It’s also a reminder of what has made Chicago Fire so enduring: authentic chemistry, both on and off the screen.

Too Sexy to Quit

Landing in PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive issue isn’t just a nod to Kinney and Miñoso’s good looks—it’s a celebration of the charisma, heart, and humor they’ve brought to Chicago Fire since day one.

For fans, it’s proof that the flames of Firehouse 51 burn just as brightly off screen as they do on. Whether it’s Kinney’s burger-fueled generosity or Miñoso’s Zumba-powered energy, this duo proves that sexy comes in many forms: loyalty, laughter, and the kind of friendship you can’t fake.

And as Chicago Fire marches toward its next chapter, one thing is clear: these men may keep secrets, but the chemistry that makes them “too hot to handle” is out in the open for all the world to see.