Matt Leinart

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Lore & Background

Leinart was born in Santa Ana, California, where he overcame strabismus (crossed eyes) and childhood ridicule to become a top recruit. At USC, he won the Heisman Trophy in 2004 and led the team to a perfect season and a BCS National Championship victory over Oklahoma, though that title was later vacated due to the Reggie Bush scandal. In Arizona, he signed a six-year, $51 million contract but spent most of his tenure as a reserve.

In Their Own Story

In Week 3 of his rookie season, head coach Dennis Green held a press conference following a poor performance by starter Kurt Warner and announced Leinart would start. He made his debut in the fourth game of the season, throwing two touchdown passes. Later that year, against the Minnesota Vikings on November 26, he set a team record.

Reader's Guide

Leinart's time with the Cardinals lasted four seasons from 2006 to 2009. He was drafted behind Vince Young and served as the primary backup to veteran Kurt Warner. His contract was finalized on August 14 after a contentious negotiation, making him the last member of the draft class to sign. While he started several games, including a Week 6 matchup against the Chicago Bears where he threw two first-half touchdowns, his role remained largely supportive throughout his Arizona tenure.

Did You Know?

• Leinart underwent surgery for strabismus (crossed eyes) when he was three years old.
• He won the Heisman Trophy in 2004, becoming the sixth USC player to claim the award.
• In the 2004 Orange Bowl, Leinart threw five touchdown passes on 18-for-35 passing for a 55–19 victory over Oklahoma.
• Leinart was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2019.

Early Life and High School Foundations

Matthew Stephen Leinart was born on May 11, 1983, in Santa Ana, California. He had strabismus, requiring surgery at age three and special glasses that, combined with his overweight frame, made him a target for ridicule. He attended Mater Dei High School, earning letters in football and basketball. As a junior, he led his team to a CIF Division I co-championship, was named the Serra League's Offensive MVP, and was selected as the Gatorade California high school football player of the year.

College Career and Heisman Glory

Leinart attended USC from 2001 to 2005 under coach Pete Carroll. After redshirting in 2001 and understudying Carson Palmer as a freshman, he won the starting job in 2003 over Matt Cassel and Brandon Hance. He finished his junior year (2004) with a perfect season, winning the Heisman Trophy and leading USC to a 55–19 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl for the BCS National Championship. In 2005, he threw for a career-high 400 yards against Notre Dame but lost the Rose Bowl to Texas. He finished his college career with 807 completions on 1,245 attempts for 10,693 yards and 99 touchdowns.

Professional NFL Trajectory

Selected 10th overall in the 2006 NFL draft by the Arizona Cardinals, Leinart signed a six-year, $51 million contract on August 14. He made his debut in the fourth game of the season, throwing two touchdown passes. He spent four seasons with the Cardinals primarily as Kurt Warner's backup. He played his final three NFL seasons in a backup role for the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders.

Legacy and Hall of Fame Recognition

Leinart was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017. In recognition of his Rose Bowl accomplishments, he was inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame in 2019. His #11 jersey was retired at USC after graduation.