Matt Leinart is not only a USC Trojans legend, he is a college football legend in general. Leinart was the face of perhaps the most exciting period of dominance in college football history during his career at the University of Southern California. Leinart’s career was one that will never be forgotten.

Leinart led two AP National Championship teams, one BCS National Championship team, and was the 2004 Heisman Trophy winner. Leinart’s number 11 jersey is retired by the USC Trojans and in 2017 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Leinart’s incredible accolades include being named First Team All-Pac-10 Consensus All-American three times, First Team All-American twice, Pac-10 Offensive Player of The Year twice, and National Quarterback of The Year twice.

There are literally almost a dozen more prestigious awards to mention, but you get the picture at this point. It is exactly that kind of legendary achievement that inspires the next generation of great young players. Having heroes and figures to look up to drives the heroes to achieve everything they can.

Current USC quarterback Miller Moss was one of the youngsters who looked up to Leinart. Following Moss’ 27/36, 378-yard, 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 win for the Trojans,” Leinart said 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 I’ve been preparing for it my whole life,” Moss said in a preseason interview. The photo of Moss and Leinart is a great full-circle moment for both men involved. Especially Moss, who fulfilled 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 say. He worked, he believed, and in the end, that belief paid off.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words and that is true, especially in this case. If you are humble enough to reach out to those below you, you never know what impact it will have. If you are 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 season opener on Saturday, September 7 against Utah State at 8:00 p.m. PT.