Following his Super Bowl victory in 2022, Stetson Bennett, the quarterback for the Los Angeles Rams, surprised everyone by deciding to take a break from the 2023 NFL season. Speculation arose regarding his absence, but Bennett recently spoke out about his mental health struggles and the significance of prioritizing his psychological well-being. In a candid interview, he shed light on the pressures and challenges faced by professional athletes, sparking a crucial conversation about mental health in the realm of sports.
Addressing the media for the first time since being placed on the reserve/non-football illness list in September, Bennett confirmed that his time off was related to mental health issues. While he chose to keep the specifics private, he expressed contentment in returning to training with the Rams and emphasized the importance of mental health in his well-being.
A former two-time national champion with Georgia, Bennett entered the NFL when the Rams drafted him in the fourth round of the 2023 draft. Initially set to serve as the backup quarterback behind Matt Stafford, Bennett missed the season opener due to a shoulder injury and was subsequently placed on the NFI list, causing him to miss the entire season.
Although he faced setbacks, Bennett’s return to the team for offseason activities indicates a positive outlook. Rams’ general manager, Les Snead, highlighted the significance of Bennett’s time off, acknowledging the toll that the pressures of the game can take on an individual. It was a period for Bennett to reflect, recharge, and come back stronger.
As the 2024 season approaches, Stafford retains his position as the Rams’ starting quarterback, with Jimmy Garoppolo likely to step in as the backup once his suspension for violating the NFL’s drug policy concludes. Bennett, alongside Dresser Winn, stands as one of the team’s key signal-callers, ready to contribute to the Rams’ success on the field.
