Matt Leinart says a lip blister derailed his brief romance with Rihanna

Former Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart is opening up about an unexpected chapter from his dating life, revealing that he once went on several dates with Rihanna but believes one awkward moment prevented the relationship from going any further.

Speaking on the Throwbacks podcast, the former NFL quarterback shared the humorous story, admitting that a large blister on his lip completely destroyed his confidence during what turned out to be their final date.

Matt Leinart and Rihanna went on three dates

Leinart revealed that he and Rihanna went on three dates before ultimately going their separate ways.

One of those outings took place at Teddy’s nightclub inside the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, where the former USC quarterback hoped things would continue to develop.

Instead, he spent the evening focused on what he described as a “ginormous blister” on his lip.

The blister shattered his confidence

According to Leinart, friends encouraged him not to cancel the date despite his concerns.

Although they assured him everything would be fine, he admitted he never felt comfortable throughout the evening.

He recalled struggling to maintain eye contact or hold a normal conversation because he was so self-conscious about the noticeable blemish.

Looking back, Leinart joked that Rihanna likely felt sorry for him as he awkwardly avoided conversation during the date.

The two never went out again.

Childhood insecurities resurfaced

Leinart explained that the incident affected him more than most people might expect because it reminded him of insecurities he experienced growing up.

He said recurring sun blisters often triggered memories of feeling self-conscious during childhood, particularly while participating in physical education classes.

Those feelings returned during the date, making it difficult for him to relax despite the otherwise exciting evening.

His wife approved the story

Before sharing the anecdote publicly, Leinart said he checked with his wife, actress Josie Loren, to make sure she was comfortable with him discussing his brief dating history.

The couple married in 2018 and now have three children together.

Leinart presented the story as a lighthearted memory rather than a serious missed opportunity.

From college football star to television analyst

Leinart became one of college football’s biggest stars while leading the University of Southern California.

As USC’s starting quarterback from 2003 through 2005, he compiled a remarkable 37-2 record, won the 2004 Heisman Trophy and helped lead the Trojans to a national championship.

He was selected 10th overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the 2006 NFL Draft and later spent time with the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders during a seven-year NFL career.

Although injuries limited his professional success, Leinart was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

Today, he works as a college football analyst for FOX Sports, where he appears on the network’s Big Noon Kickoff pregame show.

His story about Rihanna may have been an embarrassing memory at the time, but years later, Leinart is able to laugh about the awkward date that, in his mind, ended before it ever really had a chance to begin.

Featured Image: instagram.com/mattleinartqb