As the NFL Draft approaches each year, the excitement among fans reaches a fever pitch. The Arizona Cardinals, one of the league’s most passionate fan bases, eagerly await the arrival of new talent to help revitalize their team and hopefully push them closer to Super Bowl contention. For many fans, the draft marks a turning point—sometimes a fresh start, other times a reminder of missed opportunities.
One name that still resonates with Cardinals fans when discussing the NFL Draft is Matt Leinart, the former quarterback who was selected by the team with the 10th overall pick in the 2006 draft. While his career didn’t turn out as expected, Leinart’s connection to the Cardinals and the Arizona community remains strong. As the NFL Draft looms on the horizon once again, Leinart has a message for the current generation of Cardinals fans—those who have been waiting for the team to find its next star, and perhaps, the team’s next quarterback.
In this article, we take a closer look at Matt Leinart’s career, the expectations placed on him, his message to fans, and how the team can build for a successful future in the draft.
The Draft Day Dream
When the Arizona Cardinals selected Matt Leinart with the 10th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, it felt like the franchise was finally about to turn a corner. Leinart had been a star at USC, leading the Trojans to a national championship in 2004 and earning a reputation as one of the most polished quarterbacks in college football. With a Heisman Trophy under his belt and an impressive college career, Leinart seemed like the ideal player to lead a team that had been in the NFL’s basement for far too long.
For Arizona fans, the draft was a moment of hope. The team had been in a perpetual rebuild, never managing to put together a consistent winning formula. Leinart’s selection was seen as a chance for the Cardinals to finally have a face of the franchise—a leader at the quarterback position who could take them to new heights.
The Expectations
Leinart entered the NFL with high expectations, particularly given the Cardinals’ need for a stable and talented quarterback. At the time, the team had a history of struggling to find a long-term answer at the position, with players like Jake Plummer, Josh McCown, and Kurt Warner having come and gone. Fans hoped that Leinart would be the one to finally end the franchise’s quarterback woes and lead the team to a new era of success.
Leinart’s rookie season started off on a positive note. He was named the starting quarterback after veteran Kurt Warner was injured, and although the team didn’t achieve much success that year, Leinart showed promise in the limited playing time he received. However, his sophomore year was a rocky one, and as the seasons wore on, it became clear that he wasn’t the long-term solution that the Cardinals had hoped for. Leinart struggled with inconsistency, injuries, and was eventually benched in favor of Warner, who would go on to lead the Cardinals to a Super Bowl appearance in 2009.
In retrospect, Matt Leinart’s time in Arizona was defined by unfulfilled potential. Despite his college success, he never fully adapted to the speed and physicality of the NFL. There were glimpses of talent, but ultimately, the expectations placed on him were too great for him to live up to.
Matt Leinart’s Message to Cardinals Fans
Fast forward to the present, and Leinart is no longer a player on the field, but his connection to Arizona and the team remains as strong as ever. As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Leinart took the opportunity to deliver a heartfelt message to the Cardinals fanbase. His words echoed not only the highs and lows of his career but also the realities of what it takes to build a successful franchise in the NFL.
In an exclusive interview, Leinart shared his thoughts on the current state of the Arizona Cardinals, the future of the franchise, and how the team can return to prominence.
Building from the Ground Up
Leinart began by acknowledging the difficult road ahead for the Cardinals. The team, like many others, is in a rebuilding phase, and with a new head coach and a young roster, there are still significant questions about the team’s future. However, he emphasized that while the rebuilding process might be painful in the short term, it’s necessary for long-term success.
“Rebuilding isn’t easy, and it’s never fun to watch as a fan,” Leinart said. “I’ve been there, and I know what it feels like to watch the team struggle. But what’s important to remember is that every successful team in the NFL has gone through that process. You can’t skip steps. You have to develop your players, build a culture, and most importantly, you need to find your quarterback.”
Leinart’s words hit home for Cardinals fans, many of whom have been waiting for the team to find a long-term solution at quarterback. While the Cardinals have cycled through several quarterbacks since Warner’s retirement, they have yet to find the one who can consistently lead the team to the playoffs and beyond. Leinart’s message was clear—having the right quarterback is key to building sustained success.
A Call for Patience and Faith
One of the central themes of Leinart’s message was the importance of patience and faith in the rebuilding process. “Look, I get it. Fans want to see results right away. We all do,” Leinart said. “But it’s important to remember that sometimes the best things take time. When I was drafted, there were high expectations. But that’s the NFL. There are no shortcuts, and sometimes the best way to build a contender is by trusting the process.”
Leinart’s words offered a sense of perspective for a fanbase that has often been frustrated by the team’s lack of sustained success. While the Cardinals have made the playoffs at times in recent years, they have not yet found the consistency necessary to be considered a true contender in the NFC. Many fans are eager to see the team return to championship contention, but Leinart encouraged them to remain patient and trust in the front office’s ability to make the right decisions.
“I know it’s hard, but Cardinals fans are some of the most passionate and loyal in the league,” Leinart continued. “You’ve been through the highs and lows, and now it’s time to rebuild again. Stay patient and know that your support means more than you could ever imagine to the players and the organization.”
The Quarterback Dilemma
For Leinart, one of the most critical aspects of the Cardinals’ rebuild is finding the right quarterback. The team’s search for a franchise quarterback has been a long and arduous journey since Warner retired after the 2009 season. Quarterbacks like Kevin Kolb, Carson Palmer, and most recently, Kyler Murray, have all played pivotal roles in the team’s efforts to find stability at the position. But despite some individual successes, the team has yet to find its long-term answer.
Leinart acknowledged that the pressure on a quarterback to succeed in Arizona is immense, especially given the franchise’s history of quarterback struggles. “Quarterback is the most important position in football,” he said. “When you have the right one, everything else falls into place. When you don’t, it’s a constant struggle. I know that better than anyone.”
However, Leinart remained optimistic about the current state of the team. “Kyler Murray is a talented quarterback, and I think he can be the guy if he continues to develop and stays healthy. But if not, I know the Cardinals will continue to search for the right fit. That’s the nature of this league. You can’t settle for mediocrity at quarterback. You have to find your guy.”
Encouraging Future Prospects
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, Leinart expressed hope for the future of the Cardinals. He believes that the team is on the right track and that with a few more pieces, they can build a competitive roster.
“The front office is doing everything they can to put this team in a position to succeed,” he said. “There’s a lot of young talent, and they’re starting to put the pieces together. The draft is always a big opportunity to add the right players, and I have faith that they’ll make the right choices.”
Leinart’s message to Cardinals fans is one of hope, perseverance, and a reminder that success in the NFL doesn’t come overnight. For Arizona, the next chapter is just beginning, and with the draft just around the corner, there’s reason for optimism.
As Matt Leinart reflects on his own career and the road ahead for the Arizona Cardinals, his message to fans is one of patience and belief. The rebuilding process may take time, but with the right leadership, talent, and determination, the team can rise once again. For Cardinals fans, Leinart’s words provide a sense of reassurance that despite the challenges, brighter days are ahead. The NFL Draft is always full of possibilities, and for the Cardinals, it represents a chance to start fresh, build for the future, and, one day, return to the top of the NFC.
