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Stetson Bennett, the Los Angeles Rams' promising young quarterback, has finally addressed the mysterious circumstances that led to his unexpected absence from football last season. The 26-year-old, who reed the team after spending a year away, opened up to reporters after Tuesday's practice, shedding light on the personal struggles he faced.
Bennett's disappearance from the gridiron came as a shock to many. The Rams had placed him on the reserve/non-football illness list just three days after their season opener, leaving fans and analysts puzzled. Bennett, who was selected in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and was expected to serve as Matthew Stafford's backup, suddenly vanished from the scene without a clear explanation.
The former Georgia Bulldog, who led his team to two consecutive national championships, revealed that his absence was due to mental health issues. Though he chose to keep the specifics "in-house," Bennett emphasized the importance of taking time to address his well-being. "I spent last season at home," he stated, adding that both he and the team agreed to maintain privacy regarding the details.
Rams head coach Sean McVay had remained tight-lipped about Bennett's situation throughout the season, only hinting at the gravity of the matter. "I understand you have a job to do, but there are certain things that are a lot bigger and more important," McVay remarked when pressed by reporters last year.
Rams GM Les Snead sheds light on Stetson Bennett's struggles
Last week, Rams general manager Les Snead provided more context, shedding light on the immense pressure Bennett had faced. "He was exhausted," Snead said, describing the toll taken by the quarterback's tumultuous college journey. Bennett's path to success was far from ordinary; from walking on at Georgia, transferring to a junior college, and then returning to lead his team to glory, his story was one of resilience and determination.
"I know this: Last year was very beneficial for him. I think he took advantage of that year away from the game," Snead commented. "You know what, he's an exhausted human being based on everything he had done to walk on, to go to JUCO, to come back, to turn down small schools, say, 'I'm going to try to do this Georgia thing.' To win a job, then to win the thing, and then to determine, 'I'm going to come back.' And when you come back, it's really win it again or you failed. And that does take a toll on a human being, so I was jacked for Stetson to be able to take that moment and breathe a little bit."
Now, Bennett's returnto the Rams brings hope and renewed energy to the team. While finding a consistent spot on the roster might be challenging with both Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo in the mix, Bennett could see significant playing time early in the season due to Garoppolo's impending two-game suspension.
For Bennett, the road back to football is as much about personal growth as it is about athletic performance. His journey serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health and the need to take time for oneself, even in the high-stakes world of professional sports.