It was Bennett’s first statement since being placed on the reserve/non-football sick list last September.
“It’s good to be back,” Bennett said, adding, “It’s good to be back playing football. It’s the sport I love so I’m really happy.”
Neither Bennett nor Rams coach Sean McVay previously detailed the team’s reasons for deciding to relocate in 2023.
“Thankfully [general manager] response [Snead] coach [Sean] “McVay and everyone involved gave me permission to do that,” Bennett said.
The Rams selected Bennett, who led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships, in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Rams have acquired veteran Jimmy Garoppolo as the designated backup to starter Matthew Stafford heading into the 2024 season.
When asked if he plans to return to the Rams this season, Bennett said, “Yes.”
Less than a week ago, Snead said Bennett was “exhausted” at the end of his Georgia career.
“I know last year was a very beneficial year for him,” Snead said, “and I think he took advantage of that year away from the game.”
“Look, he’s a guy who was exhausted from everything that went into it, went to junior college, came back, turned down a small school, said, ‘I’ll give Georgia a try,’ won the job, then won (a national championship) and then decided, ‘I’m coming back.’
Credit: AP
Credit: AP
Georgia then went 15-0, won another national championship, and Bennett was a Heisman Trophy finalist.
“Then when you come back, it’s really either you win it again or you screw it up,” Snead said, “and that takes a toll on a guy, so I’m glad Stetson was able to seize the moment and give us a little bit of a break.”
Bennett entered training camp last season hoping to win the backup role to Stafford, and after completing 32-of-62 passes for 347 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in three exhibition games, he earned a spot on the initial 53-man roster.
