Stetson Bennett jokes Todd Monken might retire after 2023 national championship

In true “Mailman” fashion, Stetson Bennett delivered the performance of his career Monday night with six total touchdowns to lead Georgia to its second straight national championship. The celebration began as the clock hit all zeros — and Bennett gave offensive coordinator Todd Monken quite a shoutout for his performance calling plays.

As he accepted his offensive MVP award for the second straight year, Bennett joked about Monken retiring after the game plan he put together for the game. Georgia scored 65 points and totaled 589 yards on offense, including 304 passing yards from Bennett.

Bennett joked Monken should go out on top.

“I think Monk said he was going to retire after tonight,” Bennett joked. “That was a hell of a game plan.”

Stetson Bennett on Georgia’s second straight national championship: ‘Unbelievable team performance’

Not only did Bennett throw for four touchdowns, but he also ran in two of his own — tying Joe Burrow’s record for most total scores in a game. That’s quite a way to end any college career.

But for Bennett, whose college journey from walk-on to Heisman Trophy finalist has been well-documented, it’s a fitting ending to something out of a Hollywood movie. As he spoke with Rece Davis just outside the bright lights of Los Angeles, he struggled to find the words to sum up the way his time as a Bulldog ended.

“That’s a hell of a question,” Bennett said. “I don’t know. … I don’t think I got touched all night. I ran in two touchdowns. Anybody could’ve done that. Unbelievable team performance. Seven points, hell of a job by the defense. I love this team, I love these fans, I love our band, I love everybody. Back to back, baby. Back to back.”

Bennett played with a chip on his shoulder, as Davis said during the trophy presentation, and he channeled that into motivation. That was a big reason why went from a backup at the start of the 2021 season to a two-time national champion.

He didn’t necessarily plan it, though.

“I didn’t dream this, man,” Bennett said. “I was just trying to do my job. And we ended up here. I don’t know what to tell you.”