Matthew Gotel Bio
Matthew Gotel is an American football nose tackle born on January 2, 1999, in Tacoma, Washington. Gotel played college football for the Snow Badgers and the West Florida Argonauts, where he was a key player in helping them win an NCAA Division II national championship. He joined the NFL as an undrafted free agent and played for several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons, before signing with the San Antonio Brahmas in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Matthew Gotel was born in Tacoma, Washington, and attended Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington. He was a member of the school’s successful football team, where he developed his skills under coach Dave Miller. Despite his talent, Gotel received only one offer to play college football, which came from Snow College in Ephraim, Utah. During his freshman year in 2017, he recorded 19 tackles and improved to 26 tackles in his sophomore year in 2018.
Gotel’s performance at Snow College caught the attention of recruiters, leading him to enroll at the University of West Florida in 2019. He played a pivotal role in the team’s success, contributing to their NCAA Division II national championship victory that season with a total of 31 tackles. The following year, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled the season, but Gotel returned as a senior in 2021, posting 26 tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, and 1.5 sacks.
Path to American Football
After completing his college career, Matthew Gotel sought to enter the professional football realm. He attended the rookie minicamp of the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, where he paid his own way to participate among 58 players who were not selected in the NFL draft. His impressive performance led to him being offered a contract as an undrafted free agent. However, he faced challenges early in his professional career, as he was waived by the Seahawks on August 20, 2022.
Gotel then had a brief stint with the Atlanta Falcons, but he was released shortly after. In 2023, he joined the San Antonio Brahmas of the XFL after being selected in the XFL draft. Gotel made the Brahmas’ final roster and appeared in all 10 games, making 23 tackles. His performance in the XFL helped him gain further recognition in the football community.
Matthew Gotel Career
Early Career (2022-2023)
Matthew Gotel’s professional career began in 2022 when he joined the Seattle Seahawks as an undrafted free agent. His initial time with the team was cut short when he was waived in August of that year. Following this, he had a short tenure with the Atlanta Falcons but was released soon after. Gotel’s career took a significant turn when he joined the San Antonio Brahmas, where he showcased his skills and made a notable impact during the 2023 season.
Gotel’s transition to the San Antonio Brahmas marked a new chapter in his career, as he became a key player for the team. His ability to contribute on the field was evident, and he continued to develop his skills as a nose tackle.
Breakthrough (2023-2024)
Gotel’s breakthrough came during his time with the San Antonio Brahmas in the XFL. He made the final roster and played in all 10 games, where he recorded 23 tackles, demonstrating his capability as a reliable defensive player. This performance not only solidified his position on the team but also opened doors for future opportunities in professional football.
After his successful stint with the Brahmas, Gotel returned to the NFL, signing with the Seattle Seahawks again in August 2023. He faced ups and downs, including being released and re-signed multiple times, but he ultimately earned a spot on the active roster for the team’s season finale against the Arizona Cardinals in January 2024. His perseverance and determination were evident as he navigated the challenges of professional football.
Notable Works and Milestones
Matthew Gotel’s signature work includes his contributions to the San Antonio Brahmas during the 2023 XFL season, where he made a significant impact with 23 tackles. His journey from an undrafted free agent to a key player in the XFL highlights his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Matthew Gotel Award Nominations
Throughout his career, Matthew Gotel has not received any notable award nominations as of now. His focus has primarily been on developing his skills and contributing to his teams.
Matthew Gotel Awards Won
Matthew Gotel has not won any awards during his football career to date. His achievements have been primarily centered around his performances on the field rather than individual accolades.
Matthew Gotel Family
Information regarding Matthew Gotel’s family is not publicly available. Details about his parents or siblings have not been disclosed.
Personal Life
Matthew Gotel’s personal life remains private, with no verifiable information about his relationships or marital status. He continues to focus on his professional career in football.