Matthew Leinart first gained national attention as a standout quarterback at the University of Southern California before declaring early for the 2006 NFL Draft. Many fans wonder did Matt Leinart play in the NFL, and the answer is yes, he competed at the highest level of professional football.
Over his professional career, Leinart appeared in regular season and postseason games across multiple seasons. The following breakdown details his draft path, team history, performance highlights, and what ultimately shaped his NFL journey.
| Category | Detail | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Draft Year | Round | 2006 | 2nd round, 48th overall pick |
| Draft Team | Position | Arizona Cardinals | Quarterback |
| Teams Played For | Years Active | 2006–2009 | Primarily Cardinals, later with other teams |
| Career Highlights | Playoff Appearances | 1 (2008) | Cardinals won NFC West in 2008 |
| Post NFL Path | Current Status | Broadcasting | Works as a college football analyst |
Matt Leinart 2006 NFL Draft And Early Career
Projected as a mid to late second round pick, Leinart was selected by the Arizona Cardinals with the 48th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft. The Cardinals saw potential in his pocket passing mechanics and decision making, and they aimed to develop him as a long term starter. His early years in Arizona provided valuable experience behind established veterans and learning the nuances of an NFL offense.
Playing Time And Performance With The Cardinals
During his tenure with the Cardinals, Matt Leinart took the field in both regular season and playoff contests. In 2008, he backed up Kurt Warner and saw action in key moments, helping the team secure a playoff berth. His performance in that stretch demonstrated his ability to manage games and compete at a high level when given the opportunity.
Later Stints With Other Teams
After his initial stint in Arizona, Leinart spent time with several other organizations, including the Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and briefly with the Detroit Lions. These periods were often practice squad roles or short term signings, but they kept him active in the league and allowed him to adapt to different systems. While he never returned to a starting role, these experiences added to his professional resume and understanding of the game.
Career Statistics And Game Log
For fans evaluating his on field contributions, reviewing a detailed career statistics table is useful. The summary below outlines key performance metrics, completions, and appearances across his NFL tenure.
| Season | Team | Games Played | Completions | Attempts | Passing Yards | TD Interceptions | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2006 | ARI | 6 | 40 | 78 | 455 | 2-2 | 79.5 |
| 2007 | ARI | 6 | 41 | 77 | 462 | 3-3 | 78.5 |
| 2008 | ARI | 7 | 63 | 108 | 764 | 5-2 | 94.6 |
| 2009 | OAK | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | >0-0 | 39.6 |
| Career | 20 | 144 | 265 | 1681 | 10-7 | 85.1 |
Life After The NFL And Media Work
Following his playing career, Matt Leinart transitioned into broadcasting and media analysis. He joined major networks and later moved to college football coverage, where he provides insights from his experience at USC and in the pros. This next act has allowed him to stay connected to the sport while building a new public profile as a thoughtful analyst.
Key Takeaways And Recommendations
- Matt Leinart played in the NFL from 2006 to 2009 with multiple teams.
- He earned a playoff appearance with the Arizona Cardinals in 2 has a strong college background at USC.
- His professional career included both starting assignments and backup duties.
- Since retiring, he has successfully transitioned to media and broadcasting.
- Reviewing game logs and statistics provides a clear picture of his on field contributions.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many teams did Matt Leinart play for in the NFL?
Matt Leinart played for four NFL teams: the Arizona Cardinals, Oakland Raiders, Houston Texans, and Detroit Lions. He also spent time on their practice squads and active rosters across multiple seasons.
Did Matt Leinart ever start an NFL game?
Yes, Matt Leinart started several games during his time with the Arizona Cardinals, particularly in the 2008 season when he stepped in following injuries to the primary starter and helped the team secure a playoff berth.
What year was Matt Leinart drafted and by which team?
Matt Leinart was drafted in 2006 by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round, 48th overall, after a successful college career at USC.
What does Matt Leinart do now after his playing career?
Since retiring from playing, Matt Leinart has worked as a college football analyst for major networks, offering game breakdowns, player evaluations, and insights drawn from his NFL experience.