Georgia quarterback Gunner Stockton He had been waiting a lifetime for this moment.
Gunner was promoted to the starting quarterback role at the University of Georgia after starting quarterback Carson Beck He suffered an elbow injury during the SEC Championship game against Texas on December 7. Beck underwent season-ending surgery and has since declared himself for the 2025 NFL Draft.
Juner was born in Tiger, Georgia, about 75 miles from the University of Georgia's campus in Athens, and grew up a huge Bulldogs fan. The son of two college athletes — his father, Rob, played football at Georgia Southern and his mother, Sherry, played basketball at Erskine College — he has athletics in his blood.
“The number one thing for Gunner is that he knows our community, especially our family, his friends and the people closest to him, and they believe in him,” Rob UGASports said In a story published on Sunday, December 29. “We have always loved him and want the best for him. This is something he worked for (and) something he dreamed of.
“You look at pictures of your child, and they're throwing the ball in your backyard and dreaming of being the starting quarterback at the University of Georgia. It's happened. It's unreal,” Rob added.
To learn more about Gunner's story, read on.
Gunner Stockton was named after his great-grandfather
Great grandfather of the artilleryman, In D. Stocktonserved in World War II. One newspaper at the time referred to him as “Gunner Stockton.”
according to The athleteGunner's parents liked the nickname so much that they decided to give it to their son.
Gunner's grandfather died after leaving a game in Georgia
In October 2010, Guner's grandfather, Lawrence Stocktondied shortly after leaving Georgia's 34-31 overtime loss to the Florida Gators at EverBank Field in Jacksonville.
according to espnLawrence returned to the bullpen after the match and collapsed and died of a heart attack. He was 63 years old.
Gunner Stockton is close to his older sister
Gunner has a close relationship with his older sister, GeorgiaHis only brother.
The duo shared a sweet moment when Georgia was dropped off at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, in the summer of 2019.
“PC officially has a player on campus,” Gunner shared Via Instagram. “I know it will be hard for you not seeing me every day but I hope it won't be that hard for you 😂. You are the best. I love you more than you know ❤️”
In 2021, Gunner and Georgia took on the Bulldogs from the sideline at Sanford Stadium.
““A very good way to end the week,” Madfai shared Via Instagram Along with a picture of him and his sister.
Gunner, Georgia, and the rest of their extended family spent the holidays together in 2024, just days before the Bulldogs' game against Notre Dame in the 2025 Sugar Bowl, as evidenced by a series of photos shared by Georgia Via Instagram.
Gunner Stockton originally committed to South Carolina
Gunner was originally committed to play quarterback at SEC rival South Carolina. And yet it is He announced his withdrawal in January 2021.
“After much discussion and prayer with my family, I have decided to withdraw from the University of South Carolina,” Gunner said in a statement at the time. “In August, I made the decision to commit to the university, the program and the staff. A lot has changed since then, and I feel I must re-evaluate my situation.”
Gunner's decision came in the aftermath Will MuschampThe head coach, who was committed to Madfi, was fired.
The quarterback announced his commitment to the University of Georgia later that month.
Gunner Stockton drives his grandfather's old truck around campus
If you see a 1984 Ford F-150 driving around the Georgia campus, that's just the team's starting quarterback.
“It literally broke down, and it was parked at their house and couldn't get moved,” his father, Rob, said. L said Athens Banner-Herald In a story published on Friday, December 27. “He wanted to play it, so he and I tweaked it.”
According to the outlet, Rob helps run a car dealership that has been in the family since 1956.
The truck has no air conditioning and has over 300,000 miles on the odometer.
“I would say he'll keep driving that old truck no matter what kind of opportunities he gets,” Rob said.
