Progrums

Gunner Stockton Benches Himself from EA’s Gridiron

Georgia Bulldogs’ quietly effective QB Gunner Stockton surprised fans by not opting into the latest college football video game release. With EA Sports reviving its beloved franchise each summer, Stockton’s absence on the initial roster stands out: he simply didn’t grant permission for his likeness. Known for his low profile and minimal social media presence, Stockton’s reasons remain unclear—whether a privacy stance or contractual snag. He joins the ranks of former holdouts like Arch Manning, though there’s still a chance he’ll pop up before launch on July 9.

In a maneuver that has baffled gamers everywhere, Stockton has apparently decided that pixelated glory isn’t worth the hassle. Perhaps he fears a digital version of himself will start demanding endorsement checks, or maybe he just doesn’t want to be responsible for any varsity-level rage quits. One can imagine Stockton in a dark room, stroking a cat, whispering, “Let them play without me. They will learn humility.” Indianapolis car races have fewer pit stops than this QB’s PR strategy, yet here we are.