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USC Trojans Legend Matt Leinart Shares Old Photo, History With Quarterback Miller Moss

Legendary USC Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart and current USC Trojans quarterback Miller Moss met long before Moss's rise to become the next USC great. Leinart shared a must-see photo of him and Moss.

Kyron Samuels

Jan 04, 2005; Miami, FL, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of USC's 55-12 win in the 2005 Orange Bowl over the Oklahoma Sooners. Leinart, who threw 5 touchdowns, was named the game's MVP. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Imagn Images (©) Copyright 2005 by Preston Mack
Jan 04, 2005; Miami, FL, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Matt Leinart sits on the bench during the fourth quarter of USC's 55-12 win in the 2005 Orange Bowl over the Oklahoma Sooners. Leinart, who threw 5 touchdowns, was named the game's MVP. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Imagn Images (©) Copyright 2005 by Preston Mack / Imagn Images
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Matt Leinart is not only a USC Trojans legend, he’s a college football legend in general. Leinart was the face of arguably the most exciting run of dominance in college football history during his career at the University of Southern California. Leinart’s career was one we’ll remember forever.

Leinart led two AP National Championship teams, a BCS National Championship team, and he was the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner. Leinart’s No. 11 jersey is retired by the USC Trojans and in 2017 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Amongst those incredible honors, Leinart was three-time first-team All-Pac-10, Consensus All-American, two-time first-team All-American, two-time Pac-10 Offensive Player of The Year, and two-time national Quarterback of The Year.

There’s quite literally nearly a dozen more prestigious honors to name, but you get the picture at this point. It’s exactly that type of legendary achievement that inspires the next generation of great young players. Having heroes and figures to look up to pushes the heroes to come to achieve all they can.

Current USC quarterback Miller Moss was one of the youngsters who looked up to Leinart. After Moss’ 27/36 378-yard and one-touchdown performance, Leinart took to social media to post a video in support of Moss.

“I’ve known this kid since he was about five years old… big-time win for the Trojans,” said Leinart in the video. Today, USC Football’s Twitter page posted a photo of toddler Miller Moss standing next to one of his childhood heroes, you guessed it, then USC QB Matt Leinart. 

“I’ve always dreamed of being here, so in a way, I’ve been preparing for this my entire life,” said Moss in an interview right before the season. The picture of Moss and Leinart is an awesome full-circle moment for both men involved. Particularly Moss, who achieved his childhood dream of becoming the starting quarterback at the University of Southern California. 

Moss did it the hard way. He waited his turn through multiple coaching staffs, a Heisman Trophy winner, five-star freshmen, and more. He never jumped in the transfer portal or ran from the grind as the kids says. He worked, he believed, and ultimately that belief paid off.

They say a picture says a thousand words and that's the truth, especially in this instance. When you're humble enough to reach back to the people below you, you never know what type of impact that will have. If you're determined enough to work towards your dreams and never give up, anything is possible.

The Trojans return to the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for their home opener on Saturday, Sept. 7 against Utah State at 8 p.m. PT. 

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Kyron Samuels
KYRON SAMUELS

Kyron Samuels is a former college and professional football player now a writer, analyst, & digital host. Kyron is a writer for USC Trojans on SI and contributes to Oregon Ducks on SI. A graduate and letterman at Jacksonville State University, Samuels was a three-year starter, two-time all-conference, and won three consecutive conference titles. After a four-year professional stint between the AFL & XFL, Samuels retired from football. In 2022, Samuels was inducted into the Fairhope Athletic Hall of Fame. Post-playing career, Samuels has become a credentialed sports media member covering the NFL, UFL, USFL, & college football. The NFL Combine, Reese’s Senior Bowl, & East-West Shrine Bowl are amongst the events Kyron has covered. As a guest and host, Samuels has been featured on ESPNRadio, FoxSportsRadio, & IHeartRadio. Outside of sports media, Samuels works as a scouting consultant and has experience coaching at the collegiate level.

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