Stetson Bennett Bio
Stetson Fleming Bennett IV is an American professional football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He gained fame for his college football career at the University of Georgia, where he was a walk-on and later won consecutive national championships in 2021 and 2022. Notably nicknamed ‘The Mailman’, Bennett’s journey included transferring to and from Jones College, showcasing resilience and talent that ultimately led to his professional career after being drafted in 2023.
Early Life and Background
Stetson Bennett was born on October 28, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia. His family moved from Atlanta to Nahunta, Georgia, when he was in first grade. In eighth grade, they relocated to Blackshear, Georgia, where Bennett played high school football at Pierce County High School. He led the school to three consecutive state playoff appearances, throwing for 3,724 yards, running for 500 more, and scoring 40 total touchdowns as a senior. Despite his impressive high school performance, Bennett was considered a two-star quarterback and received only one FBS scholarship offer from Middle Tennessee State, as many coaches believed he was too short and light for the position.
Path to American Football
After high school, Bennett began his college career as a walk-on at the University of Georgia in 2017. He did not take a snap during his freshman season and, after the arrival of five-star quarterback Justin Fields, he decided to transfer to Jones College. At Jones College, Bennett played in 12 games during his sophomore season, throwing for 16 touchdowns and 1,840 yards. He was a three-star prospect upon his transfer and was initially set to join the Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns but ultimately returned to Georgia, where he became the second-string quarterback after Fields transferred to Ohio State.
Stetson Bennett Career
Early Career (2023)
Stetson Bennett was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round, 128th overall, in the 2023 NFL Draft. He was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list on September 13, 2023. Bennett’s early career has been marked by his transition from college football to the professional level, where he aims to establish himself as a starting quarterback.
Breakthrough (2021-2023)
Bennett’s breakthrough came during his time at the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to consecutive national championships in 2021 and 2022. In the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship game, he passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns, leading Georgia to a victory over Alabama. His performance earned him the title of Offensive MVP of the game. In his final season at Georgia, Bennett threw for 4,127 yards, surpassing the previous program record for passing yards in a single season, set by Aaron Murray in 2012.
Notable Works and Milestones
Bennett’s signature achievements include winning the CFP national championship in both 2021 and 2022, as well as being named the Offensive MVP in the National Championship Game in 2022 and 2023. He also received the Manning Award and the Burlsworth Trophy in 2022, showcasing his significant impact in college football.
Stetson Bennett Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Stetson Bennett has received several nominations, including being a finalist for the Heisman Trophy in 2022, where he finished fourth.
Stetson Bennett Awards Won
Stetson Bennett has won multiple prestigious awards during his college career, including the CFP national champion title in 2021 and 2022, the CFP National Championship Game Offensive MVP in 2022 and 2023, the Manning Award in 2022, the Burlsworth Trophy in 2022, and the Second-team All-SEC recognition in 2022.
Stetson Bennett Family
Stetson Bennett IV is the son of Denise and Stetson Bennett III. His parents met at and graduated from the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. Bennett is also the grandson of Buddy Bennett, who played quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 1958 to 1960 and later became a coach.
Personal Life
In January 2023, Bennett was arrested in Dallas, Texas, on public intoxication charges after an incident in which he was found banging on doors in a residential area early in the morning. This incident has been a notable point in his personal life, but it does not overshadow his achievements on the field.
