GLENDALE, AZ – The Arizona Rattlers have announced the return of three-time Indoor Football League MVP quarterback, Drew Powell, for his fifth season with the team. After a year away, Powell is back in the desert as the Rattlers aim for another run at the IFL National Championship.
Drew Powell’s Stellar Career with the Rattlers
Powell has been a key figure for the Arizona Rattlers since joining the team mid-season in 2019. Over four seasons, he led the team to remarkable success, including a 31-5 regular-season record, two United Bowl appearances, and four playoff victories. His dual-threat ability under center made the Rattlers one of the most dangerous teams in the league, and in 2023, Powell’s standout performance earned him the IFL Offensive Player of the Year award.
During the 2023 season, Powell helped the Rattlers claim the top seed in the Western Conference with a 13-3 record. He threw for an impressive 2,630 yards and 63 touchdowns, leading the Rattlers’ offense to the top of the league in several statistical categories. On the ground, Powell contributed an additional 734 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns, showcasing his versatility and ability to attack defenses both through the air and on the ground.
Arizona Rattlers’ Championship Aspirations
Despite Powell’s accolades, the Rattlers came up short of winning a championship in each of his four seasons (2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023). In 2021, Powell led the team to a 12-2 record, securing the IFL’s top seed and breaking franchise records with 81 total touchdowns (43 rushing, 38 passing). However, that elusive IFL title remained just out of reach.
In 2023, the Rattlers suffered a heartbreaking first-round playoff loss to the Northern Arizona Wranglers, where Powell turned the ball over five times, leading to his trade to the Tucson Sugar Skulls during the offseason. Though Powell never played for Tucson and briefly signed with an Arena Football League team in Orlando, the Rattlers kept a close eye on their former star.
Dalton Sneed’s Uncertain Future Leads to Powell’s Return
With uncertainty surrounding Dalton Sneed’s future after an injury-plagued season, Rattlers’ head coach Kevin Guy moved quickly to bring back Powell. Sneed had led the Rattlers to the 2024 IFL championship, but injuries throughout the season left his return in doubt.
“Dalton did his part and helped us get back to the championship, but he also had an injury-plagued year,” Guy said. “When you have one of those kinds of years, some players start thinking about life after football. When the Rattlers signed Dalton, I thought we would get a couple of years out of him. But I’m sure the injuries and life in general changed his mind. Once Dalton said that he wasn’t ready to make a decision, I knew the quarterback market would be over in a matter of 10 days. My job is to do what’s best for the Rattlers. Drew is a very dynamic player.”
Powell’s injury early in the 2023 season kept him sidelined initially, but he returned to play 12 games and was named IFL Offensive Player of the Year for his outstanding performance.
Coach Kevin Guy’s Plan for Powell in 2025
After a long conversation with Powell, Coach Guy emphasized the quarterback’s renewed appreciation for being a part of the Rattlers organization. Guy made it clear that competition will be fierce at every position, including quarterback, as the team gears up for the 2025 season.
“After Drew was away from the Rattlers for a year, he has a better understanding and appreciation of what it means to be a Rattler,” Guy said. “I stayed in touch with Drew during the season, and we both understand that we’re in this together. No matter who signs with us at any position, there will be competition in training camp. Our goal is to make sure this year’s training camp is the most competitive training camp yet. Competition breeds success.”
A New Chapter for Drew Powell and the Rattlers
As the 2025 season approaches, Drew Powell is poised for a comeback, ready to lead the Arizona Rattlers once again. With his MVP-winning experience and a team determined to defend its 2024 title, the Rattlers are set for another deep playoff run. Powell’s return, alongside Coach Guy’s commitment to fostering competition and success, positions Arizona as one of the favorites to contend for the IFL National Championship.
The Rattlers’ journey toward another title is far from over, and with Powell back at the helm, they are ready to chase the ultimate prize once more.
