Merriweather Answers the Rattlers’ Call

By Jay Gonzales ꟾ Rattlers Media

Life was happening for Davontae Merriweather when it came time to decide whether to play for the Arizona Rattlers in 2026.

He had a son on the way and family was front and center for the veteran defensive back who was the  2024 National Championship game MVP. Merriweather, 6-foot-3, 205 pounds, had been a key part of the Rattlers' defense since he first signed with the team in 2018.

As the 2026 season approached, he told Head Coach Kevin Guy, "I'm good right now," and he settled into his life as a father as his son was born in April.

But as the Rattlers' season got under way, Merriweather had a realization.

"I was still missing football," he said.

Guy called again before the Rattlers headed for the IFL Cup in New Jersey in mid-May and, "I decided to take it," Merriweather said of an offer to rejoin the team.

He traveled with the Rattlers to New Jersey, and he is now in a position to lead by example for a young defensive backfield.

He said it didn't take long to get into shape and be in a position to contribute. He was on the active roster for that first game in the IFL Cup, against New Mexico, and has been in the lineup since.

"I have a gift from God, so it just came natural to me," he said of his return eight games into the season. "I wasn't really working out at home, but when I came back, it took probably a couple of days to get my wind back underneath me."

His skills as a defensive back are only a portion of what the coaching staff is expecting to get from Merriweather. He's one of only two defensive backs on the active roster – Jarmaine Doubs being the other – who had any IFL experience prior to this season.

"(Guy) asked me to just be a leader, just play my part and just try to help them," Merriweather said. "I believe we've got a championship team. I feel like we've got the pieces, the size, the physicality as a team. I just feel like we're a little undisciplined. We're young."

As his career in the IFL has progressed, Merriweather said he's seen a transformation in the league in many aspects.

"The league is changing, the teams are changing, the cultures are changing and the schemes are changing," he said. "Even the quarterbacks − more teams getting more mobile quarterbacks. I feel like they're a cheat code where you've got a mobile quarterback that can help extend the plays."

Merriweather will see one of those, former IFL MVP quarterback Ja'Rome Johnson, on Saturday when the Rattlers face the Sugar Skulls in Tucson.

"He's a good quarterback," Merriweather said. "We've just gotta keep him from running. He likes to use his feet as a weapon."

Headed into the last stretch of the season, Merriweather said he's only thinking about this season. His future football plan can come later.

"I was about to hang them up last year," he said. "But I feel like I've got time to keep playing."