Brief Introduction of Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler is an American professional football quarterback widely recognized for his dynamic playing style and a collegiate career that saw him transition from a highly touted prospect at the University of Oklahoma to a standout performer at the University of South Carolina before being drafted into the NFL. Known for his arm talent and resilience, Rattler’s journey has been closely followed by football enthusiasts, marking him as a polarizing yet compelling figure in the sport. He currently serves as the starting quarterback for the New Orleans Saints in the National Football League (NFL) for the 2025 season. His career has been characterized by both immense promise and challenges, ultimately leading him to the professional ranks.
Spencer Rattler Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Spencer Michael Rattler |
| Date of Birth | September 28, 2000 |
| Age (as of August 28, 2025) | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Phoenix, Arizona, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) / 6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 211 lb (96 kg) / 217 lbs |
| Parents | Michael Rattler (Father), Susan Konkel Rattler (Mother) |
| Sibling | Olivia Rattler (Younger Sister) |
| Relationship Status | In a relationship |
| Girlfriend | Yazmina Gonzalez |
| Profession | Professional American Football Quarterback |
| Current Team | New Orleans Saints |
| NFL Draft | 2024, Round 5, Pick 150 (New Orleans Saints) |
| College | Oklahoma (2019–2021), South Carolina (2022–2023) |
| Net Worth (Estimated as of 2025) | Approximately $4.3 million to over $4.35 million in career earnings |
Early Life and Education of Spencer Rattler
Spencer Michael Rattler was born on September 28, 2000, in Phoenix, Arizona, where he also spent his formative years. He grew up as the first child of Michael Rattler and Susan Konkel Rattler, and has a younger sister named Olivia Rattler, who is also an athlete, playing Division 1 beach volleyball. His father, Michael, worked as a regional sales representative for Citizens’ Automobile and Recreation Finance, while his mother, Susan, is a second-grade teacher with over 30 years of experience at Paradise Valley Unified School District. Both parents have been staunch supporters of Spencer’s athletic endeavors, with his father even assisting with NIL interviews to help Spencer maintain focus on football. The family resides in Phoenix, Arizona.
Rattler attended Pinnacle High School in Phoenix, Arizona, for all four years of his high school education. During his time there, he became a highly decorated quarterback, showcasing immense talent from an early age. By the end of his sophomore year, he had already received 14 offers from NCAA Division I schools, including prominent programs like Alabama, Notre Dame, and Miami. He committed to the University of Oklahoma in 2017 and signed his letter of intent in December 2018. Rattler was a consensus five-star recruit by 247Sports and Rivals.com, and a four-star by ESPN, universally regarded as the No. 1 quarterback and the top overall prospect from Arizona in the 2019 recruiting class.
Throughout his high school career, Spencer Rattler set numerous records, including breaking the Arizona high school passing record on his 18th birthday. He amassed an impressive 11,083 passing yards and 116 passing touchdowns, complemented by 1,040 rushing yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. In his senior season, he earned the prestigious Elite 11 MVP award at The Opening in Texas. Rattler’s high school journey also gained national attention when he was featured in “QB1: Beyond the Lights,” a Peter Berg-directed Netflix sports documentary series. This exposure, while raising his profile, also brought early scrutiny regarding his public image. He graduated in December 2023 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.
Spencer Rattler’s Career
College Career
Spencer Rattler’s collegiate career was a significant chapter, marked by both soaring highs and unexpected challenges, spanning two major programs: the University of Oklahoma and the University of South Carolina.
University of Oklahoma (2019–2021)
Rattler enrolled at the University of Oklahoma in June 2019. He redshirted his freshman year, appearing in only three games, including a brief stint in the College Football Playoff Semi-Final against LSU.
His redshirt freshman season in 2020 was a breakout year. Rattler started all 11 games and quickly became a prominent figure in college football. He completed 214 of 317 pass attempts for 3,031 yards and 28 touchdowns against seven interceptions. He also demonstrated his dual-threat ability with 160 rushing yards and six rushing touchdowns, the most by an Oklahoma freshman quarterback since 2011. His stellar performance earned him First-team All-Big 12 honors and the national freshman of the year award by CBS Sports. He led the Oklahoma Sooners to a Big 12 Conference championship and a victory in the Cotton Bowl Classic over No. 10 Florida. Going into the 2021 season, Rattler was widely considered a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy. However, his performance was inconsistent, and he was famously benched during the second quarter of a pivotal game against Texas in favor of freshman Caleb Williams. This benching led to him not playing for the rest of the season, and he finished 2021 with 1,483 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and five interceptions in nine games. Following the season, Rattler announced his intention to transfer from Oklahoma in November 2021.
University of South Carolina (2022–2023)
In December 2021, Spencer Rattler announced his transfer to the University of South Carolina, where he reunited with head coach Shane Beamer, who had previously been an assistant coach at Oklahoma. This move offered Rattler a fresh start with less pressure.
In his redshirt junior season in 2022, Rattler started all 13 games for the Gamecocks, leading them to an 8-5 record. He threw for 3,012 passing yards and 18 touchdowns, though he also had 12 interceptions. His season was highlighted by two significant upsets at the end of the regular season: a record-breaking performance against No. 5 Tennessee where he threw for 438 yards and six touchdowns, and a victory over rival Clemson. These performances helped the Gamecocks finish the season ranked No. 23, their first AP Poll finish since 2013.
He returned for his redshirt senior season in 2023, serving as a team captain. Rattler started all 12 games and had one of the best quarterback seasons in South Carolina’s history, setting school records for single-season completions (275) and completion percentage (68.9%). He completed 275 of 399 passes for a career-high 3,186 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He finished his South Carolina career fifth all-time in passing yards (6,212) and first in career completion percentage (67.5%). Rattler declared for the 2024 NFL Draft after the season and was named the MVP of the 2024 Senior Bowl.
Professional Career (NFL)
Spencer Rattler’s journey to the NFL culminated in the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round with the 150th overall pick on April 27, 2024. He signed a four-year contract with the Saints on May 9, 2024.
During his rookie season in 2024, Rattler unexpectedly saw significant playing time. After starter Derek Carr suffered injuries, Rattler stepped in and appeared in seven games, making six starts. He recorded 1,317 passing yards on 130-of-228 passing with four touchdowns and five interceptions. Notably, he set a franchise rookie record for passing yardage. Rattler also showcased his mobility, adding 146 rushing yards on 18 carries, averaging 8.1 yards per attempt.
Heading into the 2025 NFL season, Spencer Rattler was officially named the New Orleans Saints’ starting quarterback by first-year head coach Kellen Moore on August 26, 2025, following an impressive training camp and preseason competition against rookie Tyler Shough. This appointment positions him as a key figure in the Saints’ future.
Spencer Rattler Personal Life & Family
Spencer Rattler maintains a relatively private personal life, though glimpses into his relationships and family have been shared. He is in a long-term relationship with Yazmina Gonzalez, a former volleyball player. Their connection dates back to their high school days at Pinnacle High School, the same institution Rattler attended. They officially began dating in 2018, and despite their preference for a low profile, they occasionally share moments of mutual support on social media, with Gonzalez often attending Rattler’s events. Yazmina Gonzalez also played volleyball for Scottsdale Community College during the 2019-2020 season and appeared alongside Spencer in the Netflix documentary “QB1: Beyond the Lights.”
Rattler’s family is a significant part of his life. His parents, Michael Rattler and Susan Konkel Rattler, have been consistently supportive of his football career. His father, Michael, is a regional sales representative, and his mother, Susan, is a second-grade teacher. Spencer also has a younger sister, Olivia Rattler, who is an accomplished volleyball player, participating in Division 1 beach volleyball at Missouri State University. The family resides in Phoenix, Arizona. Rattler graduated in December 2023 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies. He is also known to be an avid golfer.
Awards and Achievements of Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler’s career, from high school through college and into the NFL, has been marked by several notable awards and achievements:
Elite 11 MVP (2018): Awarded during his high school senior season, recognizing him as one of the nation’s top quarterback prospects.
Arizona High School Passing Record: Broke the state’s all-time passing yardage record on his 18th birthday.
First-team All-Big 12 (2020): Honored for his outstanding performance during his redshirt freshman season at Oklahoma.
CBS Sports National Freshman of the Year (2020): Recognized as the top freshman in college football.
Big 12 Conference Champion (2020): Led the Oklahoma Sooners to the conference title.
Cotton Bowl Classic Champion (2020): Guided Oklahoma to a victory over Florida.
Davey O’Brien Award Semifinalist (2020): Recognized as one of the nation’s top quarterbacks.
2024 Senior Bowl MVP: Earned this honor after a strong showing in the pre-NFL draft showcase.
New Orleans Saints Rookie Passing Yards Record (2024): Set a new franchise record for passing yardage by a rookie quarterback.
Rex Enright Team Captain (2023)
Steve Wadiak Team MVP Award (co-winner, 2023)
School Record for Single-Season Completions (South Carolina, 275 in 2023)
School Record for Single-Season Completion Percentage (South Carolina, 68.9% in 2023)
School Record for Most Touchdown Passes in a Game (South Carolina, 6 vs. Tennessee in 2022)
Spencer Rattler Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Spencer Rattler’s net worth is primarily derived from his professional football contract and past collegiate NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals. His career earnings from his NFL contract alone are projected to be over $4.35 million.
Upon being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, Rattler signed a four-year, $4,356,480 contract. This contract included a signing bonus of $336,480, which was fully guaranteed.
Here’s a breakdown of his projected income from his rookie contract:
2024: He earned a base salary of $795,000, with a total cap hit of $879,120 including his signing bonus proration, and a total cash intake of $1,131,480.
2025: His base salary is set to increase to $960,000. With the signing bonus proration, his cap hit will be $1,044,120, and he will take home $960,000 in cash.
2026: Rattler’s base salary is projected to be $1,075,000, resulting in a cap hit of $1,159,120.
2027: His base salary will reach $1,190,000, with a cap hit of $1,274,120.
By the end of his rookie contract in 2027, his total career earnings will have accumulated to $4,356,480. In addition to his NFL salary, Spencer Rattler also benefited significantly from NIL deals during his college career, with his NIL valuation once reported at around $779,000, ranking him high among college athletes. These early endorsements and his current NFL contract contribute to his overall “Spencer Rattler net worth.”
Legacy and Influence
Spencer Rattler’s journey in football has been a testament to resilience and an ongoing narrative of overcoming adversity, which shapes his legacy and influence. From a highly touted high school prospect and presumed Heisman frontrunner to facing benching and transferring, his career has been a rollercoaster. This arc, however, has made him a compelling figure, demonstrating the mental fortitude required in competitive sports. His ability to revitalize his career at South Carolina, leading the Gamecocks to significant victories, showed his growth and maturity as a player and a leader.
Rattler’s public image has been complex, partly due to his portrayal in the “QB1: Beyond the Lights” documentary, which he has stated did not accurately represent his character. Despite this early controversy and the “character concerns” that sometimes followed him, the New Orleans Saints expressed no such worries upon drafting him, highlighting his perceived maturity and dedication to the sport. His success in setting a rookie passing record for the Saints and earning the starting quarterback role for the 2025 season quickly established his impact on the professional level.
His influence extends to being a role model for young athletes navigating the pressures of high expectations and public scrutiny. His story underscores the importance of perseverance and the ability to adapt to new environments. Rattler’s commitment to improving his game, evident in his development at South Carolina and his early NFL performance, paints a picture of a player determined to define his own narrative. His fan base, particularly those who supported him through his college transfers, demonstrates a loyalty drawn to his talent and his journey of overcoming setbacks.
Interesting Facts about Spencer Rattler
Netflix Star: Before his college career truly took off, Spencer Rattler was featured in the Netflix documentary series “QB1: Beyond the Lights” during his senior year of high school.
Early Committer: He committed to the University of Oklahoma in 2017, a week after an unofficial visit, well before his senior high school season.
Avid Golfer: Rattler is known to be an avid golfer and has participated in charity golf tournaments, such as the 2025 Saints Hall of Fame Golf Tournament.
Record Breaker: He broke the Arizona high school passing record on his 18th birthday.
Multisport Athlete in Youth: During his elementary education, he was interested in playing various sports, including baseball, basketball, and soccer, in addition to football.
Mixed Ethnicity: Spencer Rattler comes from a mixed ethnic background; his father, Mike Rattler, is of African-American descent, and his mother, Susan Konkel Rattler, is of Caucasian descent.
Youngest QB Drafted: Despite spending five years in college, he was the eighth-youngest quarterback to potentially be called in the 2024 NFL Draft class, entering his rookie season at 23 years old.
Controversies
Spencer Rattler’s career has not been without its share of controversies, particularly during his high school and early college years.
The most notable early controversy stemmed from his appearance in the Netflix documentary series “QB1: Beyond the Lights.” Many viewers perceived his portrayal as “cocky” or “stuck up” in interactions with teammates. Rattler himself later commented that his character was “definitely not portrayed well in that show” and that it was a result of how the series was made. Despite his efforts to clarify, this perception contributed to “character concerns” that lingered and were often cited by media and some NFL scouts, potentially influencing his draft stock. However, the New Orleans Saints, after drafting him, publicly stated that they had “zero problems” with any character issues, believing he had matured and that the past video did not reflect his current demeanor.
Another significant challenge occurred during his 2021 season at the University of Oklahoma. After entering the season as a Heisman Trophy favorite, Rattler struggled with inconsistent play and was eventually benched during a game against Texas for freshman Caleb Williams. This decision by then-coach Lincoln Riley led to a dramatic shift in his college career, with Rattler not regaining the starting role for the remainder of the season. His subsequent transfer from Oklahoma to South Carolina was a high-profile move, with some speculating about locker room dynamics or a perceived lack of “elite operational consistency” as contributing factors to his struggles at OU. However, his successful resurgence at South Carolina largely dispelled these on-field concerns, showcasing his ability to learn and adapt.
Social Media Presence
Spencer Rattler actively maintains a presence on several social media platforms, engaging with his fans and sharing updates about his life and career. As of August 2025:
Instagram: He has a verified Instagram account, `@spencer_rattler`, where he shares posts related to his football career, personal life, and endorsements. He had approximately 396k followers as of a July 2022 report, which has likely grown significantly since then, especially with his NFL debut and starting QB announcement.
Twitter (X): His verified Twitter account, `@SpencerRattler`, serves as another platform for him to interact with followers and share news. He had around 81k followers as of July 2022, also likely seeing an increase.
YouTube: While he doesn’t have a primary YouTube channel for personal content, his highlights, interviews, and documentary appearances are widely available on various sports and media channels.
Final Words about Spencer Rattler
Spencer Rattler’s football journey epitomizes the modern athlete’s path: one filled with immense talent, high expectations, public scrutiny, and a determined effort to overcome adversity. From his record-breaking high school career in Arizona to his challenging but ultimately triumphant collegiate path through Oklahoma and South Carolina, Rattler has consistently demonstrated his potential as a top-tier quarterback. His selection by the New Orleans Saints in the 2024 NFL Draft marked a new chapter, and his impressive rookie season, culminating in becoming the Saints’ starting quarterback for the 2025 season, solidifies his position in the league.
As the “Spencer Rattler biography” unfolds, his narrative is one of evolution – both as a player refining his craft and as an individual maturing under intense public gaze. His resilience in navigating the “Spencer Rattler controversies” and his commitment to his relationship with “Spencer Rattler gf” Yazmina Gonzalez, alongside the unwavering support of his “Spencer Rattler family,” highlight the personal foundation beneath his professional aspirations. With a solid NFL contract contributing to his “Spencer Rattler net worth,” and a starting role in a major NFL franchise, the future for Spencer Rattler appears bright. He is poised to build upon his early successes, continuing to influence the game with his arm talent, playmaking ability, and the powerful story of a quarterback who earned his place through perseverance. His journey remains a compelling watch for football fans eager to see how this determined athlete continues to shape his legacy in the NFL.
