Matt Leinart Net Worth

Matt Leinart’s Net Worth: A Look at the Quarterback’s Career and Earnings

Matt Leinart, a name synonymous with college football success and a brief but intriguing NFL career, has built a net worth of $12 million. From Heisman Trophy glory to a stint as a studio analyst, Leinart’s journey provides a fascinating look into the life of a professional athlete. This article dives deep into Leinart’s career, earnings, personal life, and the factors that shaped his financial standing.

Early Life and High School

Matthew Stephen Leinart was born on May 11, 1983, in Santa Ana, California. His early life was marked by challenges; he was born with strabismus, a condition causing crossed eyes, requiring surgery at age three. He also had to wear special glasses, which unfortunately made him a target for school bullies. To cope, Leinart turned to sports, a path that would eventually lead him to great heights. At Mater Dei High School, Leinart excelled in both football and basketball. His junior year was a standout, leading the football team to a California Interscholastic Federation Division I co-championship. This impressive performance earned him the prestigious Gatorade California high school football player of the year award, setting the stage for his collegiate career.

Collegiate Career at USC

Leinart emerged from high school as one of the most highly-touted college football prospects in the nation. He ultimately chose to attend the University of Southern California (USC), playing under the legendary coach Pete Carroll. After redshirting in 2001, Leinart spent his freshman year as a backup to senior quarterback Carson Palmer. Leinart’s sophomore year was a breakthrough; he was named the starting quarterback for the Trojans. He marked his first career pass with a touchdown in a 23-0 victory over Auburn. That year, the Trojans finished the regular season with an impressive 11-1 record and advanced to the Rose Bowl, where Leinart was named the MVP.

It was his junior year that solidified Leinart’s legacy. He led the Trojans to an undefeated season, culminating in a national championship and claiming the coveted Heisman Trophy. In the Orange Bowl, USC dominated Oklahoma with a 55-19 victory, with Leinart throwing five touchdown passes and earning MVP honors. Leinart continued his success into his senior season, once again guiding the Trojans to a perfect regular season. Though they lost to Texas in the Rose Bowl, Leinart concluded his collegiate career as USC’s all-time leader in both touchdown passes and completion percentage, leaving an indelible mark on the program.

NFL Career: Cardinals, Texans, and Raiders

In the 2006 NFL Draft, Matt Leinart was selected as the 10th overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals. He immediately signed a lucrative six-year contract with the team, showcasing the high expectations placed upon him. His NFL debut in the fourth game of the season saw Leinart throwing two touchdown passes. He set an NFL rookie record with 405 passing yards in a late November game against the Minnesota Vikings. Despite flashes of brilliance, his rookie season ended with a 4-7 record in 11 starts. Unfortunately, a fractured collarbone in his second season cut his playing time short, sidelining him for the rest of the year.

After recovering in the 2008 offseason, Leinart returned to the Cardinals. However, Kurt Warner had established himself as the starting quarterback. Leinart was relegated to the backup role for his remaining time with the Cardinals, including their Super Bowl run. When Warner retired in 2010, expectations were high that Leinart would regain the starting position, but his performance was deemed unsatisfactory. He was eventually released by the Cardinals in September 2010.

Following his departure from Arizona, Leinart signed with the Houston Texans as a backup to quarterback Matt Schaub. As Schaub played every game that season, Leinart didn’t see any game action. He returned to Houston for the following season. Leinart finally saw his debut with the Texans in Week 12 of the 2011 season after Schaub suffered a foot injury. Unfortunately, he fractured his collarbone in the first half and had to be replaced, resulting in a premature end to his season. The Texans released Leinart in early 2012.

In the spring of 2012, Leinart signed with the Oakland Raiders, backing up former USC teammate Carson Palmer. In Week 16, Leinart entered the game alongside Terrelle Pryor due to Palmer’s injury, but ultimately, Pryor was chosen as the starter. Leinart was not re-signed by the Raiders. His final NFL stop was with the Buffalo Bills in the summer of 2013. He was brought in to compete for a spot, but was released shortly after when the team chose Thad Lewis over him.

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Career Earnings and Net Worth

Matt Leinart’s net worth is estimated to be $12 million. His most lucrative contract was the six-year, $51 million deal signed with the Arizona Cardinals in 2006. However, due to his release before the contract’s full term, he earned approximately $14 million from the deal. Throughout his NFL career, Leinart earned a total of $18 million in salary. While his professional career didn’t reach the heights many predicted after his college success, his earnings, combined with endorsement deals and post-career ventures, have allowed him to amass a respectable net worth.

Personal Life

Leinart’s personal life has also seen its share of headlines. He has a son with his former girlfriend, Brynn Cameron, a former USC women’s basketball player. Later, Leinart married actress Josie Loren, with whom he has two additional sons.

Real Estate

In June 2016, Leinart invested $2.245 million in a home in Manhattan Beach, California. The property features a large pool and a sports court, indicating his continued love for athletics and an active lifestyle.

Post-Retirement Career

After retiring from professional football, Matt Leinart transitioned into a successful career in sports broadcasting. He currently works as a studio analyst for Fox Sports, providing college football coverage. Additionally, he contributes to the Pac-12 Network and makes regular appearances on various podcasts, sharing his insights and experiences. His role as a commentator keeps him connected to the sport he loves and allows him to stay in the public eye.