In 2023, the LA Rams selected the back-to-back National Champion Georgia Quarterback Stetson Bennett in the 4th round. Despite his success at the college level, there were serious questions about whether his skillset would pan out well at the professional level.
When he was drafted, it was expected that he would serve as Matthew Stafford’s backup. However, he was injured in preseason practices and later put on a non-football injury list, which resulted in him never taking a snap during his rookie season.
What Happened to Stetson Bennett?
![Ex-Georgia QB Stetson Bennett Opens Up on Surprising 2023 Absence From LA Rams, NFL 1 stetson bennett rams](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/stetson-bennett-rams.jpg)
There were plenty of conspiracy and rumors of what happened to Stetson Bennett this past year. Some believed that he was going through drug issues or being disciplined by the team, but until May 28th, there was never an official reason released to the public as to why Bennett was so absent this past season. The only real statement that was released was all the way back in September by Ram’s Head Coach, Sean McVay:
“There are certain things that I think are a little bit bigger and more important, and out of respect for the particulars and the specifics, [I] want to be able to keep it in-house.”
With spring practices starting this past week, Bennett was back in pads for the first time since early last season. On Tuesday, Bennett had his first press conference. He re-emphasized that the majority of the details were going to be left ‘in house’ but he did go as far as to admit that it had to deal with mental health issues, shutting down some of the more extreme theories people had thrown out there.
Stetson Bennett May Have Needed the Break
![Ex-Georgia QB Stetson Bennett Opens Up on Surprising 2023 Absence From LA Rams, NFL 2 Stetson Bennett, Los Angeles Rams](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/USATSI_22106597_168400545_lowres.jpg)
During a recent interview with News 19 in Alabama, Rams general manager Les Snead made it sound like Bennett might have just been burnt out after leading Georgia to two straight national titles. He said that having a year where he was able to, in a way, step away from the stress of the game was very beneficial for him.
To be fair, Bennett has had quite the journey to the National Football League. Out of high school, he was a walk-on for Georgia in 2017. In 2018, he left for Jones College, a JUCO, before returning to Georgia to play backup behind Jake Fromm and later JT Daniels. Even when he took over Daniels’ starting job in 2021, speculation was still that he should be the backup. It wasn’t until 2022 that Bennett, now in his sixth season as a college quarterback, was the clear starter, where he was dominant, leading the Georgia Bulldogs to a 65-7 win in the National Championship Game.
What’s Next For Stetson Bennett, LA Rams?
![Ex-Georgia QB Stetson Bennett Opens Up on Surprising 2023 Absence From LA Rams, NFL 3 Los Angeles Rams QB Stetson Bennett](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Stetson-Bennett.webp)
The NFL can be very unpredictable, but Stetson Bennett appears ready to be 100% invested once again. He likely won’t see the field much this season as he will again be backing Matthew Stafford and now Jimmy Garapollo.
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