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Mike Rattler, also known as Michael Rattler, is widely recognized as the father and early mentor of NFL quarterback Spencer Rattler. While Spencer’s football journey has been covered in detail by sports media, many fans still want to understand the man who helped shape that journey from the beginning. Mike Rattler is not a celebrity in the traditional sense, but his influence has become a talking point because of his strong parenting style, coaching background, and consistent presence in his son’s athletic life.
Unlike many sports parents who chase attention, Mike Rattler has mostly stayed private. Yet his name appears again and again whenever Spencer’s development is discussed, from youth football days to national high school attention and eventually the NFL. This article explores Mike Rattler’s life story, values, career, family role, and how he became a respected figure behind one of football’s most watched quarterback paths.
Quick Bio Table: Mike Rattler
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Rattler |
| Known As | Mike Rattler |
| Birthplace | United States |
| Ethnicity | African-American |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | University of Arkansas |
| Graduation Year | 1991 |
| Degree | Undergraduate Degree |
| Profession | Regional Sales Representative |
| Employer | Citizens Automobile & Recreation Finance |
| Residence | Phoenix, Arizona, USA |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Susan Konkel Rattler |
| Spouse’s Profession | Second-grade teacher (Paradise Valley Unified School District) |
| Children | Spencer Rattler, Olivia Paige Rattler |
| Famous For | Father and mentor of NFL quarterback Spencer Rattler |
| Coaching Experience | Youth football, basketball, and baseball coach |
| Faith | Christian |
| Public Appearances | Featured in Netflix series QB1: Beyond the Lights |
| Notable Contribution | Guided Spencer Rattler’s development from youth sports to the NFL |
Early Life and Educational Background
Mike Rattler’s early life remains relatively private, but what is clear is that his background helped shape a strong work ethic and a disciplined approach to family life. He grew up in the United States and later attended the University of Arkansas, where he completed his undergraduate degree in 1991. That educational milestone matters because it shows he built a stable foundation long before his family became linked to football fame.
A university education also reflects the mindset Mike carried into parenting: structure, planning, and long-term thinking. People who knew Spencer early often mention how his family stayed focused on development, not hype. That kind of direction usually starts at home, and Mike’s academic path suggests he valued growth, learning, and personal discipline long before Spencer’s name became a national headline.
Building a Life in Phoenix, Arizona
Mike Rattler’s long-term residence in Phoenix, Arizona became an important part of the family story. Phoenix is a major sports hub with strong youth programs, competitive high school athletics, and training opportunities. For a young athlete like Spencer, this environment offered the perfect mix of competition and exposure. However, none of that matters without the right family support system, and Mike helped build that stability.
Living in the Phoenix area also meant the family had access to top coaching networks and year-round sports development. Mike’s decision to stay rooted there reflects a practical approach to life. Instead of chasing fame or moving around, he focused on creating a consistent home base. That stability is one of the biggest reasons Spencer could develop as an athlete without constant disruption.
Professional Career and Work Ethic
Outside of sports parenting, Mike Rattler built a real career as a Regional Sales Representative. He worked with Citizens Automobile & Recreation Finance, a role that typically requires communication skills, consistency, and strong relationship-building. Sales is not a job where results come automatically you have to earn trust and show up daily. That same mindset often translates into parenting, especially when raising an athlete.
His professional life also shows that he did not rely on Spencer’s fame or football money to define his identity. Mike had his own career and responsibilities, and he maintained them even while helping Spencer grow in sports. This matters because many families struggle when youth sports becomes the center of everything. Mike’s ability to balance work, family, and coaching helped create a healthier foundation for long-term success.
Marriage to Susan Konkel Rattler
Mike Rattler’s marriage to Susan Konkel Rattler is a major part of the family’s story. Susan is known as a longtime second-grade teacher within the Paradise Valley Unified School District. That detail matters because it highlights how education and discipline likely shaped the household. When one parent works in education and the other holds a structured professional career, it often creates a balanced environment for children.
Their relationship also reflects a partnership where both parents contributed to the children’s growth. Mike focused heavily on sports development and coaching, while Susan brought stability through academics and daily structure. That combination is powerful. It helps explain why Spencer not only developed athletic talent, but also learned the discipline required to survive high-pressure environments like college football and the NFL.
Father to Spencer Rattler
Mike Rattler became known nationally because of his role as Spencer Rattler’s father. Spencer’s quarterback talent showed early, and Mike played an active role in guiding that talent. From youth football through elite high school competition, Mike stayed hands-on. This is not unusual for sports families, but the difference is how consistently Mike stayed involved and how strongly he emphasized development over shortcuts.
Spencer’s early career was filled with attention, rankings, and pressure. Mike’s role in those years was not only to support his son, but also to protect him from distractions. A talented quarterback can easily become overconfident or lose focus, especially when coaches, recruiters, and media start calling. Mike’s presence helped keep Spencer grounded and reminded him that talent only matters when paired with work.
College Football Transitions and Guidance
Spencer Rattler’s college journey included major transitions, and Mike Rattler’s guidance remained important during that time. College football is not only about skill it is about mental toughness, dealing with criticism, and learning how to respond to setbacks. When Spencer faced pressure at the college level, fans often wondered how he would handle it. A strong family foundation plays a major role in those moments.
Mike’s influence likely helped Spencer manage these changes with maturity. Many athletes struggle when they experience their first real adversity. Spencer’s path included both high expectations and intense scrutiny. In those moments, having a father who understands competition, coaching, and discipline becomes a major advantage. Mike’s steady presence helped Spencer navigate college football as a long-term journey rather than a short-term highlight reel.
Supporting an NFL Journey
Reaching the NFL is a dream for most football players, but the journey requires far more than talent. Mike Rattler’s support became especially meaningful as Spencer moved closer to professional football. The NFL demands a professional mindset, and players must learn how to handle business decisions, training demands, media narratives, and constant competition.
Mike’s role during this stage was likely more about mentorship than coaching. At the professional level, Spencer works with elite coaches and trainers, but family guidance still matters. Mike’s experience as a sports coach and disciplined parent gave Spencer a trusted voice to lean on. This type of support is valuable because the NFL can feel isolating, especially for young players adjusting to the pace and pressure of the league.
Coaching and Mentorship Beyond Family
One of the most important parts of Mike Rattler’s identity is his coaching background. He has coached youth football, basketball, and baseball. That detail shows he did not only focus on one sport or one child. Coaching multiple sports requires patience, communication, and leadership. It also suggests Mike genuinely enjoys mentoring young athletes, not just managing his own family.
Coaching also explains why Mike understood how to develop Spencer properly. Many parents push too hard without understanding the game. Mike had real experience in training, teaching fundamentals, and building confidence. That difference matters. It helped Spencer develop in a structured way rather than through pressure alone. Mike’s coaching mindset likely shaped Spencer’s work habits, decision-making, and leadership skills as a quarterback.
Relationship with Daughter Olivia Rattler
Mike Rattler is also the father of Olivia Paige Rattler, who is known for her athletic path in Division I beach volleyball. This detail proves the family’s athletic culture was not limited to Spencer. Olivia’s success reflects the same environment of discipline, support, and encouragement. It also shows Mike and Susan supported their children’s individual talents rather than forcing them into one path.
A father’s relationship with a daughter often looks different than the relationship with a son in sports, but it can be just as impactful. Olivia’s achievements suggest the family prioritized confidence, self-belief, and consistency. Mike’s role in her development likely included emotional support, guidance, and encouragement to pursue her goals seriously. That kind of parenting creates long-term success in multiple children, not just one.
Public Image and Personal Values
Mike Rattler’s public image remains mostly private, but certain values consistently appear in the way people describe him. He is often seen as disciplined, focused, and deeply invested in family. His Christian faith is also part of his identity, and faith-based values often shape parenting styles built on responsibility, respect, and humility.
He also avoids the attention-seeking behavior many sports parents fall into. Mike appeared in the Netflix series QB1: Beyond the Lights, but he did not turn that exposure into celebrity status. Instead, he remained focused on family and work. This is one reason he is respected. People may debate Spencer’s football decisions, but they rarely criticize Mike’s character because he appears consistent, supportive, and grounded.
Legacy and Lasting Influence
Mike Rattler’s legacy is not about fame or social media attention. His legacy is the role he played in building a foundation for his children’s success. Spencer’s journey to the NFL did not happen overnight. It required years of training, discipline, and emotional support. Mike’s influence shaped those years, from youth sports coaching to guiding Spencer through high-pressure environments.
Beyond Spencer, Mike’s legacy includes his role as a mentor and coach for young athletes. Coaching youth sports leaves a long-lasting impact, even if it never becomes a headline. The lessons he taught discipline, teamwork, confidence, and resilience likely influenced many players, not just his own children. That kind of influence matters because it reflects real leadership, not temporary spotlight attention.
Conclusion
Mike Rattler’s story is not the story of a celebrity chasing attention. It is the story of a hardworking professional, a dedicated husband, and a committed father who helped shape the journey of an NFL quarterback. From his education at the University of Arkansas to his career in sales and finance, Mike built a stable life in Phoenix, Arizona. That stability allowed Spencer and Olivia to pursue sports at high levels without losing structure.
His greatest contribution remains his mentorship. Whether coaching youth sports or guiding Spencer through college football transitions and into the NFL, Mike’s influence stands out as steady and grounded. In the world of sports, where hype often replaces development, Mike Rattler represents the kind of behind-the-scenes support that makes long-term success possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Mike Rattler?
Mike Rattler (Michael Rattler) is best known as the father and mentor of NFL quarterback Spencer Rattler.
What does Mike Rattler do for a living?
He works as a Regional Sales Representative and has been associated with Citizens Automobile & Recreation Finance.
Where does Mike Rattler live?
Mike Rattler lives in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.
Who is Mike Rattler’s wife?
His wife is Susan Konkel Rattler, a second-grade teacher in the Paradise Valley Unified School District.
Does Mike Rattler have other children besides Spencer?
Yes, he also has a daughter named Olivia Paige Rattler, who plays Division I beach volleyball.
Was Mike Rattler featured on Netflix?
Yes, he appeared in the Netflix series QB1: Beyond the Lights.
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