Sometimes there isn't a deeper meaning to things. It just is what it is.
Like, for for Saints rookie Spencer Rattler. Nothing went into the quarterback wearing the #18. It was just the number he was given.
But, it does hold some personal significance to the 5th round draft pick.
"It was actually my first number in high school," Rattler recalled. "In my first freshman fall camp in varsity. So, that's kind of a full circle moment, I guess."
Rattler fell to the to Saints in the 5th round after many draft analysts expected him to be a second-day pick. His arm talent and athleticism are apparent, but turnovers were reportedly part of teams’ concerns.
Now, the 23-year-old must show he’s cut-out to make it as a QB at the pro level.
“I was lucky to have a great OC in dialogue at South Carolina, so some of it is very similar," Rattler said of the Saints playbook. “But, I mean, a lot more and a lot of new things you need to learn, but I'm enjoying it."
The rookie will be competing against sophomore signal caller Jake Haener and 7-year vet Nathan Peterman come training camp for the right to be Derek Carr’s prime backup.
Rattler recognizes the need to show off not only his football talent, but also his ability to be a leader and motivator of men
“I feel like, especially as a quarterback, you want to have those qualities coming in early, especially in rookie minicamp, Rattler said. “You know, kind of take everybody in your class under your wing and, work all together. We're all trying to help each other, so if I had to be a leader, which, we should as a quarterback, you got to do what you got to do.”