Matt Leinart
Matt Leinart
Full Name and Common Aliases
Matthew Joseph "Matt" Leinart is a former American football player.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on May 11, 1983 (no death date recorded)
Nationality and Profession(s)
American, Former NFL Quarterback
Early Life and Background
Matt Leinart was born in Santa Ana, California. He grew up in a family with athletic roots – his father, Michael Leinart, played football at the University of Southern California (USC). Matt's interest in football began early on, and he started playing as a quarterback in high school.
Leinart attended Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana, where he led his team to three consecutive state championships. His outstanding performance earned him numerous awards, including the Gatorade National Player of the Year award twice (2001, 2002). He was also named the California Mr. Football winner and played in the prestigious U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Major Accomplishments
Leinart's collegiate football career at USC is notable for his impressive performances. In 2004, he won the Maxwell Award as the nation's best all-around player, becoming only the second quarterback to achieve this feat (after Archie Griffin in 1975). That same year, he also won the Davey O'Brien Award for top college quarterback and was named a consensus All-American.
Leinart set multiple records at USC, including the most career touchdown passes (87) and total offense yards (10,687). He finished second in the voting for the 2004 Heisman Trophy behind Reggie Bush. Leinart's success on the field led to him being drafted by the Arizona Cardinals with the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
Notable Works or Actions
During his time in the NFL, Matt Leinart played for several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals (2006-2009), Houston Texans (2010), Oakland Raiders (2012), Buffalo Bills (2013), and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2015). Although his NFL career was marked by ups and downs, he had some notable performances. One of his most memorable games came in 2007 when he threw for 396 yards against the Philadelphia Eagles.
In addition to his on-field accomplishments, Leinart has been involved in various charitable activities throughout his life. He supports the Matt Leinart Foundation, which focuses on promoting health, education, and youth development programs.
Impact and Legacy
Matt Leinart's impact on college football is undeniable. His achievements at USC helped elevate the program to national prominence during Pete Carroll's tenure as head coach. The lessons he learned from his collegiate experiences – about discipline, teamwork, and hard work – have contributed to his enduring legacy in the world of sports.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Matt Leinart is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
His incredible college football career at USC, where he set numerous records and won prestigious awards.
His early success in the NFL, including a notable performance against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2007.
His charitable efforts through the Matt Leinart Foundation, promoting youth development programs.
The lessons he learned on and off the field, which have inspired many young athletes to strive for excellence.
Overall, Matt Leinart's contributions to American football as a player and philanthropist make him an inspiring figure in the world of sports.
Quotes by Matt Leinart
There are some sacrifices you have to make being a quarterback in the National Football League.
I've always known being a professional athlete is tough, let alone being a quarterback in the National Football League. There's a lot on you, a lot of pressure on you to succeed. You take the glory and you take the falls, but that's what I signed up to do.
People can think what they want, but the important thing I've always said is what my family sees and knows, and what my team and coaches know. My team and my coaches know that I work my butt off, that I'm in every day lifting weights, studying, even at home.
In real estate, if you're hustling and maintaining a good work ethic, you'll get deals.
Every year, I make it my goal to learn something new, but I never end up sticking to it.
You kind of look at the timeline of what has happened to me and with having a pretty good rookie year and the second year getting the injury and Kurt Warner played himself into the Hall of Fame in the last 3 years. There's not a lot I can do about that. I battled with a Hall of Famer two training camps in a row.