Gabriel Rubio wasn’t a starter for Marcus Freeman’s Notre Dame throughout the 2024 regular season. One bad injury to Rylie Mills against Indiana in the playoffs, and the San Jose native suddenly found himself in the line of action. First game as a starter? The Sugar Bowl against Georgia Bulldogs. How did he fare? Well, pretty well, to say the least. A three-year SEC starter was Gabriel’s first victim in a game the Fighting Irish won 23-10.

Rubio’s time at Notre Dame hasn’t always been rosy! We can pin it on some unfortunate injuries. A knee injury in 2023, and a broken metatarsal (left foot) in 2024. However, Gabriel has treated these setbacks as a battle, and if we go by his words, it was “a worthwhile battle.” “The spring was unfortunate. The summer was unfortunate going into fall camp with a broken foot, all that deal. I’m not the kind of guy to just give up as soon as hardship comes about,” he said. Where does this attitude come from? Behind every successful athlete is a support system, and for Gabriel, that support comes from his parents. Let’s take a closer look at the personal life of the 6’5″ DL, uncovering what has shaped him into the player he is today.

Who is Gabriel Rubio’s mom?

Gabriel Rubio’s mom, Theresa Rubio, was an accomplished student-athlete at Southeast Missouri State University. As a middle hitter on the college’s volleyball team, she led her team to set an NCAA record. Theresa was one of three teammates who achieved more than 1,000 kills.

She met Gabriel’s father at her alma mater in 1994. It shouldn’t surprise us that with both his parents having sports backgrounds, Gabriel steps on to the field like he has a point to prove.

Who is Gabriel Rubio’s Dad?

Gabriel Rubio’s father, Angel Rubio, was a professional football player who spent time in both the NFL and the AFL. Over the years, he played for multiple teams, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Arizona Cardinals. Then, he made his mark in the XFL with the Las Vegas Outlaws, later transitioning to the Arena Football League, playing for the Orlando Predators, Detroit Fury, Dallas Desperados, and Austin Wranglers.

Every time Angel stepped on the field, he carried a tape with a mantra written on it. “Somos pocos, pero locos.” It translates to: we are a few, but crazy. What does it refer to? Well, it points to Angel’s Mexican roots and the lack of Mexican Americans in football at the time.

Angel’s extensive experience helped Gabriel fine-tune his athletic skills from a young age. Reflecting on his journey, Angel shared insights about the importance of taking risks in sports, “A lot of times, kids are afraid to make decisions and play outside the box because they’ve been taught, ‘This is how you go in a stance; this is how you do this” he said.

“Instead of taking risks, you’re afraid to fail, and there’s a lot of growth in that.” Angel’s teachings have shaped Gabriel’s mindset and have had a lasting influence on the entire Rubio family.

Where did Gabriel Rubio grow up?

Gabriel Rubio was brought up in St. Charles, Missouri, where he attended St. Charles Lutheran High School. He grew up along with his four siblings: Isabelle, Isaiah, Seth, and Isaac. Except for Isaac, the youngest, everyone has been involved in college sports.

Isabelle played soccer at the collegiate level, and Isaiah, like Gabriel, is a DL at Southwest Baptist University. Seth, who is in high school, is a competitive wrestler. It’s clear that the Rubio family is athletically quite involved, with each excelling in their sport.

Who is Gabriel Rubio’s girlfriend?

When it comes to relationships, Gabriel Rubio has a strong support system in the form of his girlfriend. Taylor Elizabeth Porter has been by his side throughout his journey. She is a very supportive partner and is seen attending games and cheering for Gabriel. She often posts about her moments with him on Instagram, and the two are seen comforting each other with their presence.

Apart from being Gabriel’s girlfriend, Taylor is studying healthcare. She is a nursing student at Eleanor Mann School of Nursing at the University of Arkansas. Much like her boyfriend, she is an accomplished student in her field. Recently, she was honored with the Hotz Award from the College of Education and Health Professions.

What are Gabriel Rubio’s net worth & NIL valuation?

Gabriel Rubio is positioning himself for future success, both on and off the field. With growing opportunities, his NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) valuation and net worth are on the rise. While exact figures remain unavailable, he’s part of a new wave of college athletes capitalizing on these opportunities. According to On3 Industry Ratings, Gabriel is a four-star player with a rating of 90.17. He ranks 249th nationally, 24th as a defensive lineman, and 4th best football player in Missouri.

With his standout skills and increasing profile, Gabriel is set to attract lucrative opportunities. With the support of Notre Dame’s football program, Gabriel puts himself in a prime position for substantial growth in the years to come. From his parents’ guidance to his girlfriend’s support, he’s surrounded by people who are rooting for him to succeed in every aspect of his life. The future seems incredibly bright for this rising star.