Matt Cassel's journey in professional football is a testament to perseverance and adaptability. Born on May 17, 1982, in Northridge, California, Cassel attended the University of Southern California (USC), where he played as a backup quarterback behind Heisman Trophy winners Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart. Despite limited playing time in college, Cassel's potential was recognized by the New England Patriots, who selected him in the seventh round of the 2005 NFL Draft.
Cassel's early years with the Patriots were spent primarily as a backup to Tom Brady. His opportunity to start came unexpectedly in the 2008 season when Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in the first game. Cassel stepped into the starting role and led the Patriots to an 11-5 record, narrowly missing the playoffs. His performance that season included throwing for 3,693 yards and 21 touchdowns, which significantly raised his profile in the league.
In 2009, Cassel was traded to the Kansas City Chiefs, where he became the starting quarterback. His tenure with the Chiefs had its ups and downs, but he had a standout season in 2010. That year, Cassel threw for 3,116 yards and 27 touchdowns, earning a Pro Bowl selection and helping the Chiefs secure an AFC West division title. However, injuries and inconsistent play in subsequent seasons led to his release from the team in 2013.
Cassel's career continued with several other NFL teams. In 2013, he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, where he played for two seasons. During his time with the Vikings, Cassel started a number of games, providing veteran leadership and stability when needed. In 2015, he was traded to the Buffalo Bills, where he competed for the starting quarterback position but ultimately served as a backup.
The following years saw Cassel moving between teams, including stints with the Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and Detroit Lions. His role during these years was primarily as a backup quarterback, offering experience and mentorship to younger players. Cassel's ability to adapt to different teams and systems was a hallmark of his career, allowing him to extend his time in the league.
Throughout his career, Cassel was known for his professionalism and readiness to step in when called upon.
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