Stetson Bennett discusses the reasons behind his absence from the Rams in 2023.
The Los Angeles Rams drafted quarterback Stetson Bennett in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the intention of grooming him as a long-term backup and possibly a future starter. However, Bennett missed most of his rookie season, and his absence remained unexplained, adding to the mystery.
Bennett recently discussed his absence on the “Unreserved with TJ Callaway” podcast, explaining that he needed to go home to clear his mind. He mentioned, “I went home for a bit to clear my head. It felt like everything was overwhelming at once. I needed some fresh air, and the Rams were understanding enough to let me take that break.”
Following his back-to-back national championships with the Georgia Bulldogs, Bennett struggled to process his achievements. After being named MVP of the championship game, he was arrested for public intoxication in Dallas shortly after Georgia’s win against TCU in January 2023. This led to speculation about possible substance abuse issues, but it turns out that Bennett was actually dealing with mental health challenges.
Bennett, who walked on at Georgia in 2017, admitted to feeling uncertain about himself during his college career, which may have contributed to his difficulties. “After the first national championship, people wanted me to leave,” Bennett said. “During the second championship season, I was still not sure of myself.”
Rams general manager Les Snead commented earlier this year on Bennett’s absence and return, noting the pressure Bennett faced during his college career. Snead acknowledged that the intense expectations—“to win the job, then win the championship, and then come back to win again or be considered a failure”—had taken a toll on Bennett. He expressed relief that Bennett could take a moment to regroup.
Now back in Los Angeles, Bennett appears ready to compete for the backup quarterback role against veteran addition Jimmy Garoppolo. Head coach Sean McVay has noted that Bennett looks promising, stating, “He’s had a good look in his eyes and been attentive in meetings.”
Although Garoppolo is likely the frontrunner for the position, he will miss the first two weeks of training camp due to a suspension for performance-enhancing drugs. This situation could provide Bennett with an opportunity to secure a spot on the roster and potentially claim the backup role if he can demonstrate his value and consistency during the preseason.
