Athens, GA – In a moment that brought pride, nostalgia, and inspiration to the Bulldog faithful, former Georgia quarterback and two-time national champion Stetson Bennett returned to Athens this week to deliver a powerful speech on perseverance, identity, and the impact of his time at the University of Georgia.
Speaking to a packed auditorium at the Tate Student Center, Bennett addressed students, athletes, coaches, and fans as part of UGA’s “Living Legacy” speaker series. His theme: resilience in the face of doubt—and the belief that hard work and heart can carry you further than pedigree or hype ever could.
“UGA made me who I am,” Bennett told the crowd. “Not just as a football player, but as a man who understands what it means to fight for a dream when no one else sees it but you.”
Bennett’s journey has become legend in Athens and beyond. Once a lightly recruited walk-on, he left Georgia only to return, climb the depth chart, and ultimately lead the Bulldogs to back-to-back national titles in 2021 and 2022. His performance on the biggest stage silenced critics and etched his name into college football history.
“There were so many moments when quitting would’ve been easier,” he said. “Being the fifth guy on the depth chart. Hearing the whispers that I wasn’t big enough or talented enough. But I knew who I was. And more importantly, I knew where I was—Athens. I was home.”
The event, hosted by UGA Athletics and the Terry College of Business, drew an audience that included current football players, several members of the 2021 and 2022 title teams, and local high school students. Bennett’s message resonated beyond sports, focusing on grit, character, and the value of taking ownership of your own story.
“Too often, we wait for someone to tell us we’re good enough,” he said. “But at Georgia, I learned to stop waiting. I learned to prove it.”
In attendance was UGA Head Coach Kirby Smart, who introduced Bennett with heartfelt praise. “He’s the embodiment of what this program stands for—toughness, work ethic, humility. Stetson’s not just a champion; he’s a Bulldog through and through.”
Following his remarks, Bennett took time to answer questions from students, sign autographs, and visit with current players. Many of them view him as a symbol of what’s possible at Georgia—especially those who arrived without five-star labels.
“I want the walk-ons and the overlooked guys to know: you matter,” he said. “It’s not about how you start—it’s about how you finish. That’s what Georgia taught me.”
Since graduating, Bennett has joined the NFL, continuing his football journey with the same tenacity he showed in Athens. Yet, he made it clear during his visit: no matter where he goes, Georgia will always be home.
“Every time I put on that helmet, it wasn’t just for me,” he said, voice thick with emotion. “It was for every person who ever believed in me—and for this university that gave me the chance to believe in myself.”
