Matthew Leinart entered the NFL with high expectations after winning the Heisman Trophy and starting quarterback at USC. His journey through the league shows a mix of potential, limited impact, and eventual departure from regular season play.
Below is a detailed breakdown of how long Matt Leinart played in the NFL, covering his teams, performance stats, and career timeline.
| Team | Season(s) | Games Played | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 2006–2009 | 34 | Active roster, starter in 2006–2007 |
| Houston Texans | 2010 | 0 | Signed, released during preseason |
| Las Vegas Locomotives (UFL) | 2011–2012 | 7 | Backup, limited regular season action |
| Overall NFL Regular Seasons | 2006–2009 | >34 | 4 seasons of NFL activity |
NFL Playing Time by Season
2006 Cardinals Rookieship
Leinart started all 16 games in 2006, completing 226 of 381 passes for 2,636 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He led Arizona to a 5–11 record while showing raw arm talent and mobility.
2007 Season Transition
In 2007, the Cardinals shifted to a shared quarterback approach, reducing Leinart to 9 starts. He finished with 1,642 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 9 interceptions over 14 games (7 starts).
2008 and 2009 Depth Decline
Kurt Warner’s return in 2008 pushed Leinart to third string, and he appeared in only 6 games with no starts. In 2009, he played in 2 games, completing 2 of 4 passes for 10 yards, marking his final NFL regular season action.
Post-NFL and UFL Chapter
After his NFL tenure, Leinart joined the United Football League with the Las Vegas Locomotives. He served as a backup in 2011 and 2012, adding just enough game experience to round out his professional career without returning to the NFL.
Career Stats and Performance Summary
Leinart’s NFL career totals reflect a starter who saw his role diminish over time. His efficiency metrics remain modest, with more interceptions than touchdowns in his limited sample.
| Category | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passing Yards | 4,278 | Regular season only |
| Touchdowns | 18 | 11 on ground, 7 passing |
| Interceptions | 26 | More INTs than TDs |
| Completion Percentage | 57.6% | Below league average for starting QBs |
| Rushing Touchdowns | 7 | Emergent scrambling ability |
Reasons for Limited NFL Tenure
Injuries, inconsistent performance, and strong competition at quarterback curtailed Leinart’s opportunities. Teams were hesitant to commit to him after his early promise did not translate into sustained success.
Key Takeaways on Matt Leinart’s NFL Tenure
- Started all 16 games as a rookie in 2006 with strong individual stats.
- Played 4 NFL regular seasons across the Cardinals (2006–2009).
- Accumulated 34 games played with diminishing roles after 2007.
- Finished his NFL career with 4,278 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 26 interceptions.
- Continued playing briefly in the UFL before transitioning to media and business.
FAQ
Reader questions
How many NFL seasons did Matt Leinart play?
Matt Leinart played in 4 NFL seasons, from 2006 through 2009, all with the Arizona Cardinals.
Did Matt Leinart ever start a game after 2007?
No, after 2007 he lost the starting job and did not start another NFL game, serving mostly as a backup in 2008 and 2009.
Why did Matt Leinart leave the NFL so early?
Declining playing time, injury concerns, and competition from veteran quarterbacks led to his release and transition to the UFL.
What did Matt Leinart do after his NFL career?
He played in the UFL with the Las Vegas Locomotives and later moved into broadcasting and business ventures.