Former Georgia Bulldogs Shine Bright During Rams-Cowboys Joint Practice: Stetson Bennett, George Pickens, and Bill Norton Rekindle Championship Chemistry
In a joint NFL training camp session that drew national attention, it wasn’t just the stars of the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys who turned heads. It was a trio of former Georgia Bulldogs — quarterback Stetson Bennett, wide receiver George Pickens, and defensive lineman Bill Norton — who brought the Dawgs’ championship energy to the pros. The reunion of these former UGA standouts during the Rams-Cowboys joint practice offered a nostalgic moment for fans and a bold statement about the rising influence of Georgia football talent across the NFL.
This week’s practices at the Rams’ training facility were intense, physical, and often electric. But when Bennett, Pickens, and Norton took the field, there was something more — a visible spark that reminded fans, coaches, and scouts alike why the Bulldogs dominated college football over the past few seasons. Though the three former teammates now play for different franchises, their shared history in Athens made their on-field interactions more than just a footnote. They served as a reminder of what happens when elite development meets relentless drive.
For Stetson Bennett, the joint practice marked one of the most high-profile appearances of his young NFL career. After missing time in his rookie season with the Rams, Bennett has returned to training camp with a chip on his shoulder. Reports from the Rams’ camp say he’s looked sharp and more confident, and that continued against the Cowboys’ defense. During 11-on-11 drills, Bennett delivered several crisp throws, showed off improved footwork, and appeared much more comfortable in the pocket. His timing with receivers was notably better than it had been in past sessions, and he even scrambled for a few positive gains when protection broke down — a nod to the mobility that made him such a weapon during Georgia’s national title runs.
Observers noted that Bennett had a little extra juice during warmups and team periods — perhaps sparked by the presence of his former Bulldog teammates across the field. Though he and George Pickens never fully overlapped at Georgia due to injuries and Pickens’ early departure for the NFL, their brief shared time and mutual respect remain strong. The two shared an embrace pre-practice, flashing smiles and exchanging words, clearly relishing the opportunity to reunite under very different circumstances.
Pickens, now entering his third season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, continues to build on a reputation as one of the league’s most explosive young receivers. Though he wasn’t participating in the Rams’ practices, Pickens was on hand as a guest observer — a rare treat for fans, as he stood along the sidelines encouraging players and chatting with coaches. Dressed in Steelers gear, but with his trademark swagger, Pickens turned heads off the field just as much as he would have on it. Cameras caught him laughing with Bennett, talking technique with current Rams wideouts, and even playfully jawing with Cowboys defenders. It was classic Pickens — always engaged, always competitive, always entertaining.
Bill Norton, meanwhile, continues to fight for a more prominent role on the Rams’ defensive line. The former Georgia defensive tackle signed with the Rams as a free agent and has impressed with his motor and strength throughout camp. While not yet a household name like some of his fellow Georgia alumni, Norton showed flashes of what made him a reliable contributor in college. During red-zone drills, he drew praise from defensive coaches for his ability to clog lanes and maintain leverage against the Cowboys’ offensive front. His presence may not dominate headlines, but Norton represents the kind of depth and physicality every NFL defensive coordinator covets.
Together, the presence of Bennett, Pickens, and Norton served as a living, breathing testament to the Georgia Bulldogs’ incredible pipeline of NFL-ready talent. It’s not just about what they did at the college level — it’s about how their foundation in Athens prepared them for moments like this. The joint practice, filled with national media, position battles, and plenty of tension between two playoff-caliber franchises, was the perfect setting to show that Georgia’s influence in the league is only growing.
The chemistry between the three was undeniable. Even though they now wear different uniforms, the Bulldog bond remains tight. Bennett and Norton, both Rams now, were seen talking shop during down periods of practice, likely discussing pass protection schemes or recognizing offensive tendencies. Pickens, even from the sidelines, couldn’t help but bark out encouragement — a nod to his days at Georgia when he was often the emotional spark for the Bulldogs’ offense.
For fans watching from the sidelines or following along on social media, the reunion was a powerful reminder of how college roots run deep. These players aren’t just professionals — they’re former teammates, champions, and friends who helped bring glory to a program that has reshaped the landscape of college football. Their interactions weren’t staged or media-driven. They were real, raw, and full of mutual pride in what they accomplished together — and what they still hope to achieve in the NFL.
And for the Rams, having two former Bulldogs on the field in Bennett and Norton is proving to be a quiet asset. Bennett’s familiarity with a pro-style system from Georgia has helped him pick up Sean McVay’s offense quickly. His leadership and calm demeanor have begun to win over teammates, and the fact that he’s performed well in front of his former college peers only adds to the growing confidence around his potential. Norton, meanwhile, has become a dark horse candidate to crack the rotation on a defensive line that values grit and toughness above all else. His work ethic mirrors what Georgia fans saw during his collegiate days — not always flashy, but always effective.
For Pickens, the visit was about more than just nostalgia. It was also a chance to stay connected with those who helped shape his journey. After battling injuries in college and critics in the draft process, Pickens has found his rhythm in the NFL — and he knows exactly what it takes to succeed at the next level. By staying close to fellow Bulldogs like Bennett and Norton, he keeps that competitive edge sharp while also giving back as a mentor, whether intentionally or not. His presence, even without pads, sent a message: greatness starts with how you carry yourself every day.
Looking ahead, the storylines for all three players will continue to develop in the months to come. Bennett is firmly in the mix to back up — and possibly challenge — for a larger role on the Rams’ quarterback depth chart. Norton will have to battle through a tough defensive rotation to carve out meaningful snaps. And Pickens is aiming to take the leap from promising playmaker to true WR1 in Pittsburgh. But for one sunny afternoon in camp, it wasn’t about stats, contracts, or depth charts. It was about reconnecting with a part of their football identity that will always matter.
The Rams-Cowboys joint practice gave fans a glimpse into the future of both teams — but it also offered something more. It showed the power of college bonds, the strength of shared experience, and the enduring legacy of the Georgia Bulldogs’ championship culture. When Stetson Bennett fired a strike in red-zone drills, when Bill Norton held his ground in a goal-line rep, and when George Pickens stood on the sidelines barking encouragement, it all felt familiar.
Three former Dawgs. One NFL field. And one message loud and clear: the Georgia standard travels.
No matter what the stat sheets say this fall, no matter where their careers go from here, Bennett, Pickens, and Norton already carry something invaluable into every practice and every game — the belief that they’ve been forged by fire, tested on the biggest stages, and equipped to thrive in any environment. Whether wearing red and black or the colors of the Rams and Steelers, that Bulldog DNA is impossible to miss.
