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Stetson Bennett
Stetson Bennett
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Stetson Fleming Bennett IV (born October 28, 1997) is an American professional football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Jones College Bobcats and Georgia Bulldogs. Nicknamed "The Mailman",[1] he started his career as a walk-on at Georgia before transferring to Jones College. Bennett transferred back to Georgia where he won consecutive national championships in 2021 and 2022, joining A. J. McCarron, Matt Leinart, Tommie Frazier, and Steve Davis as the only quarterbacks to win consecutive NCAA national championships.[2]

Key Information

Early life

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Bennett was born on October 28, 1997, in Atlanta, Georgia.[3][4] In first grade, his family moved from Atlanta to Nahunta, Georgia. In eighth grade, his family moved to Blackshear, Georgia, where he played high school football at Pierce County High School.[5][6] There, 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. Bennett was a two-star quarterback coming out of high school and his only FBS scholarship offer came from Middle Tennessee State as coaches thought he was too short and too light—he was 5 feet 9.5 inches (1.765 m) and 185 pounds (84 kg) at the time.[7][8]

College career

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Bennett with Georgia in 2021

Georgia (first stint)

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Bennett was a walk-on at Georgia his freshman season in 2017.[9]

He did not take a snap the whole season. After five-star high school quarterback Justin Fields committed to Georgia in 2018, Bennett decided to transfer to Jones College.[10][11][12]

Jones College

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After his transfer, Bennett played in 12 games and threw for 16 touchdowns and 1,840 yards in his sophomore season.[13] He was a three-star prospect heading into his transfer. He was about to join the Louisiana Ragin' Cajuns,[14] but he ended up returning to Georgia.[15] The Bulldogs were in need of a backup quarterback after Fields transferred to Ohio State.[16] Georgia offered Bennett a scholarship. He accepted and became Georgia's second-string quarterback.[17]

Georgia (second stint)

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2019–2020

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As Jake Fromm's backup in 2019, Bennett had two touchdowns and one interception on the season as a junior. He also had one rushing touchdown.[18] He most notably appeared in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) Championship Game when Fromm went down with an injury.[19]

Heading into his senior season (2020), Bennett started the season as a backup quarterback to D'Wan Mathis.[20] Mathis was named the starter after Jamie Newman, the planned starter, opted out of the season.[21] Bennett became the starter after poor play from Mathis.[22] A few months later, USC transfer JT Daniels took the starting job.[23] Bennett appeared in eight games, of which he played significant time in six of them. He finished with 1,179 passing yards, eight passing touchdowns, and six interceptions to go along with two rushing touchdowns.[24]

2021

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Bennett began his 5th-year senior season as the backup to JT Daniels.[25] He made his first appearance and first start of the 2021 season against the UAB Blazers after Daniels went down with an oblique injury.[26] In that game, Bennett tied the record for most touchdowns in a game by a Georgia quarterback, with five.[27] Bennett was trusted with the starting job for the rest of the season, and he led the Bulldogs to a 12–0 record.[28] He finished the season with 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions.[29]

On December 4, 2021, Bennett threw for three touchdowns and two interceptions in the 41–24 loss in the SEC Championship Game against the Alabama Crimson Tide.[30] He was criticized for the loss, leading many to believe that JT Daniels should get the start against Michigan in the Orange Bowl.[31] Bennett remained the starter and helped lead the Bulldogs to a victory over Michigan. In the 34–11 victory, Bennett passed for 313 yards and three touchdowns.[32] Bennett led the Bulldogs to a victory in the 2022 College Football Playoff National Championship game in a rematch against Alabama to give Georgia their first national title since 1980.[33][34] Bennett passed for 224 yards and two touchdowns in the 33–18 victory.[35]

2022

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Bennett celebrates with a cigar after the Bulldogs win in the 2023 CFP title game.
Bennett hoists the CFP Trophy after the 2023 title game.

On January 20, 2022, just ten days after winning the National Championship and amid speculation that he would transfer, Bennett announced his return to Georgia.[36][37][38] In the preseason, Adam Rittenberg named Bennett a Heisman Trophy candidate.[39]

Bennett entered his 6th-year senior season as the starter, and in the season opener against Oregon, he threw for a then career-high 368 yards while throwing and rushing for three total touchdowns in a 49–3 rout.[40] After his performance, he was named the Walter Camp National Player of the Week and the Manning Award Quarterback of the Week.[41][42] The following week, Bennett threw for 300 yards, before being replaced in the third-quarter by backup Carson Beck, in a 33–0 victory.[43]

During the 2022 regular season, Bennett led Georgia to a 13–0 record, including an SEC Championship.[44] During the 2022 SEC Championship Game, he passed for four touchdowns and 274 yards and was named the game's Most Valued Player (MVP) in a 50–30 victory over the LSU Tigers.[45] Bennett finished the year with 20 passing touchdowns, 3,425 passing yards, six interceptions, and seven rushing touchdowns.[46] On December 5, 2022, Bennett was named a finalist for the Heisman Trophy, finishing fourth.[47]

Bennett and the Bulldogs remained #1 and faced up against C. J. Stroud and the #4 ranked Ohio State in the 2022 Peach Bowl. Bennett and the Bulldogs beat Ohio State with a score of 42–41 to advance to the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship for the second consecutive year.[48]

On January 9, 2023, Bennett and the Bulldogs defeated the TCU Horned Frogs in the 2023 College Football Playoff National Championship, with a score of 65–7.[49] He was named the offensive MVP of the game after combining for six total touchdowns.[50] This tied him with Joe Burrow, for the most total touchdowns in a College Football Playoff National Championship Game.[51] With the victory, Bennett led Georgia to the largest margin of victory in any bowl game at the FBS level at the time and becoming just the third team in college football history to finish the season with a record of 15–0.[52]

Bennett finished the season passing for 4,127 yards. With this mark, he surpassed the previous program record for passing yards in a single season, set by Aaron Murray in 2012.[53][54][55]

College statistics

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Season Team Games Passing Rushing
GP GS Record Comp Att Pct Yards Avg TD Int Rate Att Yards Avg TD
2017 Georgia DNP
2018 Jones College 12 12 10–2 145 259 56.0 1,840 7.1 16 14 125.2 69 148 2.1 4
2019 Georgia 5 0 20 27 74.1 260 9.6 2 1 172.0 3 12 4.0 1
2020 Georgia 8 5 3–2 86 155 55.5 1,179 7.6 8 6 128.7 24 54 2.3 2
2021 Georgia 14 12 11–1 185 287 64.5 2,859 10.0 29 7 176.6 56 259 4.6 1
2022 Georgia 15 15 15–0 310 454 68.3 4,127 9.1 27 7 161.2 57 205 3.6 10
NJCAA Career 12 12 10–2 145 259 56.0 1,840 7.1 16 14 125.2 69 148 2.1 4
Career 42 32 29–3 601 924 65.0 8,429 9.1 66 21 160.7 141 530 3.8 14

Professional career

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Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Vertical jump Broad jump
5 ft 11+38 in
(1.81 m)
192 lb
(87 kg)
28+78 in
(0.73 m)
10 in
(0.25 m)
4.67 s 1.59 s 2.65 s 4.20 s 33.5 in
(0.85 m)
9 ft 10 in
(3.00 m)
All values from the NFL Combine[56][57]
Bennett under center at the Rams training camp

Bennett was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round, 128th overall, in the 2023 NFL draft.[58] He was placed on the reserve/non-football illness list on September 13, 2023.[59]

Personal life

[edit]

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 the grandson of Buddy Bennett, who played quarterback for the South Carolina Gamecocks from 1958 to 1960 and later was a coach.[6]

On January 28, 2023, Bennett was arrested in Dallas, Texas on public intoxication charges after banging on doors in a residential area at 6 a.m.[60][61]

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Stetson Bennett IV (born October 28, 1997) is an American football quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). He rose to prominence as the starting quarterback for the Georgia Bulldogs, leading the team to back-to-back College Football Playoff National Championships in 2021 and 2022. Known for his underdog story, Bennett began his college career as a walk-on at Georgia before transferring to junior college and returning to become one of the program's most decorated players. Bennett was born in Atlanta, Georgia, to parents Stetson Bennett III and Denise Bennett, who met while students at the University of Georgia and worked as pharmacists. The family relocated to , in 2004, where Bennett grew up immersed in Bulldogs fandom. At , he threw for 3,424 yards and 34 touchdowns as a senior, earning all-region honors despite being lightly recruited due to his 5-foot-11 stature. Bennett joined the Georgia Bulldogs as a preferred walk-on in 2016, redshirting his freshman year behind starter Jacob Eason. Limited playing time led him to transfer to Jones College in Mississippi for the 2017 season, where he excelled, passing for 2,707 yards and 28 touchdowns while leading the Bobcats to a 10-2 record, a South Division title, and a berth in the MACJC Championship game. He returned to Georgia in 2018, initially as a backup, but gradually earned more reps, appearing in 13 games over 2018 and 2019 with 59 completions for 734 yards and four touchdowns. Bennett became the full-time starter in 2020 amid injuries to others, throwing for 1,179 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 6 interceptions in 8 games that year. In 2021, he guided Georgia to a 14-1 season and the national title, earning Offensive MVP honors in the championship game with 272 passing yards and two touchdowns against Alabama. His senior year in 2022 produced career highs, including a 15-0 record, another national championship (a 65-7 rout of TCU), and Heisman Trophy finalist status; over his Georgia tenure, he completed 601 of 923 passes for 8,429 yards, 66 touchdowns, and 21 interceptions. Selected by the Rams in the fourth round (128th overall) of the 2023 NFL Draft, Bennett signed a four-year rookie contract worth $4.089 million. His professional debut was delayed after a January 2023 misdemeanor arrest for public intoxication in Dallas, Texas, which he described as a "mistake" during NFL Combine interviews; the charge was later dismissed. His rookie season was further impacted by mental health challenges, leading to placement on the non-football illness list; he spent 2023 on the Rams' practice squad without appearing in a regular-season game. He returned for the 2024 preseason, completing 41 of 69 passes for 437 yards and two touchdowns across two games. Entering the 2025 season as a third-string quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Jimmy Garoppolo, Bennett impressed in the preseason with 512 passing yards, five touchdowns, and a 105.7 passer rating over four appearances, securing his spot on the 53-man roster. As of November 2025, he remains with the Rams, serving primarily in emergency and developmental roles.

Early life

Family background

Stetson Bennett IV was born on October 28, 1997, in , Georgia, to parents Stetson Bennett III and Denise Bennett, both of whom were pharmacists employed by at the time. The Bennetts, who met while studying at the College of Pharmacy, instilled a strong in their children through their careers in the field. By 2004, when Stetson was in first grade, the family relocated from suburban to Brantley County in , where his father opened Bennett's Hometown Pharmacy in Nahunta. The allowed the family to create an environment conducive to Stetson's growing interest in football, as his father purchased adjacent land and developed an 80-yard practice field known as the "Hideout," complete with goalposts and a small building for film study. From an early age, Bennett began throwing a football in the backyard with his father, starting around age three while living in the area, which helped cultivate his passion for the sport. This hands-on involvement from his parents, who prioritized family support alongside their professional commitments, laid the foundation for his development leading into organized youth and high school play. Bennett's family carries a legacy in football, with his father having walked on as a quarterback at in 1989 before transferring to the to pursue . His grandfather, Richard "Buddy" Bennett, further extended this heritage as a and leading rusher for the from 1958 to 1960, later becoming a coach at various institutions including and Georgia Southern. Buddy's stories and achievements, shared within the family, inspired Bennett's own aspirations in the sport.

High school career

Bennett attended in , beginning his sophomore year in 2013 following his family's relocation from neighboring Brantley County to pursue enhanced football opportunities. He earned the nickname "The Mailman" during his high school tenure for his dependable passing accuracy, a moniker originating from his habit of wearing a U.S. hat at recruiting showcases to distinguish himself despite his undersized frame. Bennett was also recognized as a two-time Preseason All-State Academic Team honoree for his academic excellence alongside his athletic pursuits. In his senior season of , Bennett passed for 3,724 yards and 40 touchdowns while adding 490 rushing yards and six more scores, guiding the Bears to a 9-4 record and a berth in the GHSA Class 3A playoffs, including three consecutive postseason appearances under his leadership. Rated a two-star recruit by outlets such as and , Bennett garnered limited scholarship offers, primarily from Middle Tennessee State, but opted to join the as a preferred walk-on to stay close to home and chase his dream at a top program.

College career

Initial years at Georgia

Bennett enrolled at the University of Georgia in 2017 as a preferred walk-on following a standout high school career at , where he was rated as one of the top unsigned prospects in the nation but did not receive a offer from the Bulldogs. During his freshman season, Bennett redshirted and did not see game action, serving primarily as a scout-team quarterback behind starter while earning praise from the defense for his practice performances. He was one of four recipients of the Offensive Scout Team Player of the Year award at the end of the year. Limited by his position low on the depth chart, Bennett decided to transfer after the season to seek greater playing opportunities at the level. Throughout this period, Bennett made academic progress toward a degree in .

Junior college at Jones

After redshirting as a freshman and seeing limited action at the , Bennett transferred to Jones County Junior College in , in 2018 seeking greater playing time and starting experience. During his lone season with the Bobcats, Bennett started 10 games at , completing passes for 1,840 yards with 16 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also showcased his mobility, rushing for 148 yards and four touchdowns. Bennett's efforts helped guide Jones to a 10-2 overall record and a perfect 6-0 mark in MACJC play, securing the South Division and a spot in the MACJC state game, where they fell 19-14 to . The capped the year with a 27-7 victory over Eastern in the Mississippi , earning a postseason appearance. His strong junior college performance, which ranked him 11th nationally in passing touchdowns among NJCAA quarterbacks, drew scout attention from multiple FBS programs and ultimately prompted Bennett to recommit to Georgia for the season.

Return to Georgia and national titles

Bennett returned to the University of Georgia in as a redshirt junior on , resuming his role as a backup behind starter after spending a year at Jones College. His playing time was limited that season, appearing in five games and completing 20 of 27 passes for 260 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. In his debut against Murray State, Bennett went 10-for-13 for 84 yards, showcasing the poise developed during his junior college stint. In 2020, Bennett transitioned to the starting role midway through the shortened season after an injury to transfer quarterback , starting five of Georgia's eight games. He completed 86 of 155 passes for 1,179 yards, eight s, and six interceptions, helping the Bulldogs secure the SEC East title. Georgia advanced to the but fell to 41-24, with Bennett throwing for 208 yards, one , and two interceptions in the loss. The team concluded the year with a 24-21 victory over in the . Bennett solidified his position as Georgia's full-time starter in 2021, passing for 2,862 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions over the regular season and postseason while adding 259 rushing yards and one rushing touchdown. The Bulldogs went 12-0 in the regular season, but lost the SEC Championship to Alabama 41-24, where Bennett threw for 280 yards and three touchdowns. In the College Football Playoff, Georgia edged Cincinnati 24-21 in the Orange Bowl semifinal, with Bennett earning Offensive MVP honors after completing 20 of 30 passes for 313 yards and three touchdowns. Bennett capped the campaign by leading Georgia to a 33-18 victory over Alabama in the national championship game, completing 17 of 26 passes for 224 yards and two touchdowns to secure Offensive MVP accolades. For his performance, Bennett was recognized as the 2021 SEC Offensive Player of the Year. Building on the momentum, Bennett guided Georgia to an undefeated 15-0 record in 2022, throwing for 4,128 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven interceptions en route to the program's second straight national title. In the , he passed for 274 yards and four touchdowns in a 50-30 rout of LSU, earning game MVP honors. Georgia then survived Ohio State 42-41 in the semifinal, where Bennett set a career high with 398 passing yards and four total touchdowns (three passing, one rushing) to claim Offensive MVP. The Bulldogs dominated TCU 65-7 in the , with Bennett completing 18 of 22 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns to earn Offensive MVP for the second consecutive year. Bennett finished fourth in voting as a finalist and was a finalist for the , and won the , while accumulating 66 passing touchdowns over his Georgia career.

Passing Statistics

Stetson Bennett's passing statistics across his college career at Georgia and Jones College are detailed below.
SeasonSchoolGamesCompletionsAttemptsCompletion %YardsTDsINTs
2017Georgia000-000-
2018Jones1214525956.01,8401614124.7
2019Georgia5202774.126021172.0
2020Georgia88615555.51,17986128.7
2021Georgia1418528764.52,862297176.7
2022Georgia1531045468.34,128277161.2
Career Total547461,18263.110,2698235152.3

Rushing Statistics

Bennett's rushing statistics are as follows.
SeasonSchoolGamesAttemptsYardsAvgTDs
2017Georgia000-0
2018Jones12-148-4
2019Georgia54123.01
2020Georgia824542.32
2021Georgia14562594.61
2022Georgia15572053.610
Career Total54141+6784.818
Bennett amassed over 10,900 total yards from passing and rushing combined, with 100 total touchdowns during his . His peak performance in 2021 and 2022, including a 176.7 in 2021, aligned with Georgia's consecutive national championships.

Professional career

2023 NFL Draft and contract

Following his senior season at the University of Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, Stetson Bennett entered the 2023 NFL Draft. Despite his accomplished college resume, draft analysts projected Bennett as a mid-round selection, primarily due to concerns over his listed height of 5 feet 11 inches and his age of 25 at the time of the draft. ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. initially viewed him as a third-round candidate before adjusting to the fourth round following pre-draft workouts. At the 2023 in , Bennett measured in at 5 feet 11 inches and 192 pounds, aligning with his college dimensions. He impressed in athletic testing by running the in 4.67 seconds, a time that highlighted his mobility despite his smaller frame and helped alleviate some durability concerns from scouts. Bennett also participated in on-field passing drills, where he demonstrated accuracy and quick decision-making, further boosting his stock as a potential developmental prospect. The selected Bennett in the fourth round with the 128th overall pick of the , acquiring the pick via trade with the earlier in the draft. As a fellow Georgia alumnus behind starting , Bennett was immediately positioned as a developmental backup option, with praising his winning pedigree and pocket presence during the draft telecast. The selection addressed the team's need for quarterback depth following a 5-12 season in 2022. On June 22, 2023, Bennett signed his rookie contract with the Rams, a four-year deal valued at $4,539,140 that included a signing bonus of $699,140 and $699,140 in guarantees. The contract carried an average annual value of $1,134,785, positioning Bennett to compete for the backup role during training camp while earning a 2023 base salary of $750,000.

Absence from the NFL (2023–2024)

Following his selection in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, Bennett participated in the team's organized team activities (OTAs), mandatory minicamp, training camp, and preseason games, completing 36 of 62 passes for 347 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions across three appearances. However, on September 13, 2023, the Rams placed him on the reserve/non-football illness list, rendering him ineligible for the remainder of the regular season and resulting in zero game appearances. The move came amid reports of personal challenges, with head coach Sean McVay declining to elaborate beyond confirming the placement and expressing support for Bennett's well-being. Bennett's absence persisted into the 2024 offseason, as he did not initially report for team activities following his 2023 placement on the list. He rejoined the in March 2024 for voluntary workouts, progressing to full participation in OTAs, minicamp, and training camp, where he competed for the backup role behind starter . Despite earning a spot on the 53-man roster and serving as the No. 2 for Weeks 1 and 2 while Jimmy served a suspension, Bennett remained inactive for all 17 regular-season games, logging no . In preseason, he started both contests, going 41 of 69 for 437 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions. On the depth chart, Bennett was nominally the third-string throughout much of 2023 after his early participation, with the turning to veterans like and for backup duties during the regular season. His 2024 return positioned him behind and Garoppolo, though he did not take part in live game action beyond preseason, limiting his on-field integration with the starting units. The prolonged inactivity fueled public speculation regarding Bennett's status, including questions about his readiness and future with the team, though general manager emphasized ongoing communication and the organization's commitment to supporting him through personal matters. McVay echoed this in remarks, stating the team was "excited" about Bennett's progress and focused on his holistic development rather than rushing his return to competition.

2025 season with the Rams

After addressing personal challenges that led to his absence from the NFL in prior years, Bennett returned to the for the 2025 offseason program. He participated actively in organized team activities (OTAs) and mandatory minicamp, where coaches noted his improved command of the offense and growing confidence, though his performance in OTAs was described as solid but not yet explosive. This progress continued into , where offensive coordinator highlighted Bennett's advancements in decision-making and execution during padded practices. In the preseason, Bennett impressed as the primary backup, completing 44 of 64 passes for 512 yards, five , and zero interceptions across two games, achieving a 68.8% completion rate. His five touchdown passes tied for the lead, while his yardage total ranked second league-wide and completions third. Notable performances included a two- outing against the in Week 2, showcasing his arm strength and poise under pressure. Bennett earned a spot on the ' 53-man roster as the third-string behind starter and backup . He has been designated as the emergency third for several games, including Week 3 against the , allowing him to dress but not play unless both starters are injured. As of November 19, 2025, Bennett has remained inactive for all regular-season games with no offensive or special teams snaps. His base salary for the year is $1.03 million. Despite limited involvement, Bennett's role includes preparing as a scout-team , with potential for activation or elevation from the practice squad if injuries affect the quarterback room, given Stafford's history of ailments.

Personal life

On January 29, 2023, Stetson Bennett was arrested in , , on a charge of . Police responded to reports of a man banging on doors in a at 6:03 a.m., identifying Bennett as the individual; he smelled strongly of alcohol and was uncooperative with officers, who noted his behavior as disruptive. Bennett was released on $1,000 bond later that same day. The charge was dropped in March 2023 following his completion of a , with no further legal proceedings. The incident took place weeks before the .

Mental health challenges

In May 2024, Stetson Bennett confirmed that his absence from the during the was primarily to address needs, describing the time away as a necessary "break" to gain clarity and reset. He emphasized that the decision allowed him to spend the season at home in Georgia, focusing on personal well-being without disclosing a specific . Upon his return to the team, Bennett publicly expressed renewed motivation, stating he felt "hungry" and "more focused" after the break, crediting support from , and his for aiding his recovery. In an August 2024 , he described the period as transformative, noting it helped him rebuild his mindset through , presence in the moment, and clarification that the absence was unrelated to substance issues like alcohol, despite prior speculation. He highlighted the role of his strong foundational support system, including in his hometown, in fostering this growth. Bennett has linked his challenges in part to the intense pressures following his back-to-back national championships at the , where he experienced self-doubt and exhaustion amid the transition to professional life, describing it as "a bunch of everything all at once" that necessitated fresh air and time away. While his legal incident in early 2023 served as a potential additional , Bennett has maintained that his absence was a voluntary step focused on recovery rather than directly tied to it. Into the 2025 season, he continues to manage these challenges, with head coach observing increased confidence and stability in Bennett's approach during training camp. As of November 2025, Bennett has continued to perform well in his role with the , suggesting sustained progress in managing his .

References

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