Matt Leinart opens up about losing his shot at Rihanna after one brutal lip blister ruined their LA date night

Matt Leinart recently shared a surprising story from his past that caught everyone’s attention. The former NFL and USC star said he once had a chance to go on a date with Rihanna. Everything was planned and set up by his friends, and the night was supposed to be special.

But something small and unexpected ruined it all. It wasn’t anything Rihanna did and it wasn’t bad behavior either.

The truth is even more awkward and will leave you wondering how this even happened.

Matt Leinart opens up about failed Rihanna date because of lip blister

On July 21, 2025, Matt Leinart spoke about the missed opportunity on his “Throwbacks” podcast, which he co-hosts with Jerry Ferrara, known from Entourage. Their guest, Josh Richman, was the mutual connection who helped Matt Leinart set up a one-on-one with Rihanna years ago at Teddy’s nightclub in Los Angeles.Matt Leinart explained that the setup took several tries, this was his third attempt to meet the pop icon. But right before the big night, he developed what he called a “ginormous blister” on his lip from being out in the sun too long. Matt Leinart couldn't overlook it even if his friends claimed it was nothing major. Laughing at how poorly the evening went, he confessed on the podcast, "I literally could not meet her eyes."

He claimed the blister made him excessively self-conscious to be natural and hurt his confidence. That one incident cost him a genuine chance to go on a date with Rihanna.

Matt Leinart says wife Josie still teases him about Rihanna

Matt Leinart recalls the unsuccessful date years later with a humorous tale. 2018 saw his marriage to Josie Loren; their two sons are Cayson and Cannon. He humorously said his wife often calls him an "idiot" for allowing anything like a blister to destroy his Rihanna shot. The evening was not great, but the narrative has grown to be Matt Leinart's most hilarious favorite memories. "That was my moment, and I ruined it," he noted.

Also Read:

“I Was So Embarrassed”: Heisman Winner Matt Leinart Opens Up About The Game That Broke Him Before Walking Away From NFL

FAQs

1.When did Matt Leinart talk about his date with Rihanna?

He shared the story on July 21, 2025, during his “Throwbacks” podcast.

2.Why didn't Matt Leinart’s date with Rihanna go well?

Matt Leinart had a large lip blister that made him too shy to talk confidently.

3.Who did Matt Leinart marry after the Rihanna story?

He married actress Josie Loren in 2018, and they have two sons.