The XFL is back, and people are starting to take notice. Notably in this group is former USC Heisman winner and 1st round NFL QB Matt Leinart, who yesterday tweeted out:
I think it’d be a natural fit. The XFL always has been, and always will be a platform for both guys who want to make a name for themselves, and veterans who still have something to prove. Leinart is a College Football Hall of Famer who had it all in his days at USC.
He and Reggie Bush led the Trojans to a National Championship Title in 2004, and made another appearance in 2005 where they were edged out by Vince Young’s Longhorns. Leinart won the Heisman Trophy in 2004, was a runner-up in 2005, among a huge pile of honors around that.
In total, he won the Manning , the Johnny Unitas, 2x Archie Griffin, 2x Quarterback of the Year, 2x Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year, and Walter Camp Awards, alongside 2 straight spots as a First-Team All American. I just saved you a trip to wikipedia.
He wound up with the Arizona Cardinals after they selected him 10th Overall in the 2006 draft, where he played alongside and behind Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. However, in a somewhat stunning move, the team opted to release him after Warners’ retirement in favor of Derek Anderson.
Leinart at this point had struggled with several injuries and had some up and down performances, but he was still a young passer who never had the chance to fully take the reins after sitting behind a HoF veteran.
He signed with the Texans to back up Matt Schaub and saw limited game action there before signing with the Raiders and Bills.
Unfortunately, that was the last we saw of him on the field, and many were left wondering what could have been. Especially Matt Leinart, it seems. The 37 year old carries a chip on his shoulder, and it seems that he’s gunning to get back into the action.
Keep in mind he hasn’t played since 2013, but 37 is not an old age in quarterbacking these days, and his body has been saved the wear and tear of taking hits in the NFL. Those who remember his glory days at USC know what he’s capable of, and I think fans would love to see him under center in the XFL.
The Rapper Wale also tweeted interest in the league.
He’s not just playing either, as he was a wide receiver at Virginia State and Robert Morris back in the day. He’s 35 years old but hey, let’s see a workout tape. I love seeing guys reignite their football dreams out here, and that’s what the XFL is all about.
With the CFL’s season up in the air, and the NFL’s offseason affected by COVID, I think we could see a mass infusion of talent into the league. Hopefully headlined by Matt Leinart, who may just end up tossing some passes to Wale.
Wildcat Dan
August 8, 2020 at 3:15 pm
Thanks but no thanks. The XFL 2.0 wanted legitimacy and turned away some very good players because of their backgrounds. Respectfully, these two are too old and couldn’t take the hits.
Focus on the Josh Rosens, Matt Barkleys and similar as you move forward.
love to have Matt and Whale support the league though
Jason
August 8, 2020 at 3:29 pm
Faaaaaaaanboy.
There’s a reason Matt Leinart is well-rested: no one believes he can play professional football.
He is not going to suddenly figure it out. Not with his legendary work ethic.
Dude
September 5, 2020 at 2:59 pm
It’s called a tryout. Show up and if you can do it, you can play. A few unique players like this would garner some free publicity. But mostly the focus should be on exciting players, be it college players that want to get paid to play, small school players that didn’t get a fair shake, or NFL players that just can’t get their time in or were stuck in the wrong system.
The XFL definitely can use the star power since most players are unknowns to the common fan.