Matt Quinlan

Matthew J. Quinlan was a contestant in Survivor: One World. He placed 16th.

Profile
Retrieved from CBS.com

Name (Age): Matt Quinlan (33) Tribe Designation: Manono Current Residence: San Francisco, Calif. Occupation: Attorney Personal Claim to Fame: Starting my own law firm; The Law Offices of Matthew J. Quinlan. I take my career and my commitment to my clients very seriously. Being able to set up MJQLAW so that I can make a difference in the lives of my clients is probably the thing I am most proud of in my life. Inspiration in Life: I aim to maximize my potential in everything I do. It is what keeps me pushing every day. Of course, “potential” is an elusive thing, but I look forward to chasing it for the rest of my life. Hobbies: Golf, fitness and all things sports. Pet Peeves: Complaining, pessimism and over-the-top subjectivity. 3 Words to Describe You: Ambitious, optimistic and dependable. SURVIVOR Contestant You Are Most Like: I have seen a lot of Survivor and can’t recall a past contestant that reminds me of myself, so I have to answer this question with “nobody.” I don’t plan on playing this game like any past Survivor. In fact, if someone’s plan is to play like a past contestant they are probably both in-over-their-heads and in-real-trouble. If I have it my way, I will be playing a bold, evolved and innovative game that I hope takes Survivor game play to its inevitable next level. Reason for Being on SURVIVOR: Who wouldn’t want to be on Survivor?!?! I feel extremely fortunate to be given an opportunity that millions of people would give anything for and won’t take it for granted for even a minute. America will see me give everything I have to the game! I owe that to myself and all the Survivor fans out there. Why You Think You’ll “Survive” SURVIVOR: I’ll die out there before I quit. The only way I am leaving that island is with a tag on my toe or with a snuffed torch. Why You Think You Will Be the Sole SURVIVOR: I think I have a lot of attributes that will help me succeed in the game: athleticism, charisma, smarts, etc. That said, these things are also going to make me a target in the game of Survivor, so figuring out how to use these traits in a non-intimidating way will be the key to my success.

Survivor: One World
Quinlan was placed on the all-male Manono tribe, where he made a four-person alliance with fellow young members Jay Byars, Bill Posley and Michael Jefferson; although it was later revealed that the alliance was also working with Colton Cumbie prior to him obtaining the Hidden Immunity Idol. Matt seemed to display an arrogant streak when he demanded the women to give his tribe a chicken after agreeing to split any chickens captured in a bi-tribe chicken round-up. During the first day, Quinlan warned tribemate Colton Cumbie about making friends with the rival Salani tribe, telling him to act as the men's double agent or "runner," but Cumbie on the other hand was determined to eliminate him, and was even more driven when he received a Manono-exclusive Hidden Immunity Idol from the women. Quinlan's game plans were put on hold, as Manono enjoyed two consecutive Immunity Challenge wins.

On Night 4, while the younger male alliance was sleeping, Colton made a move by using his idol to persuade the other outsiders Troyzan Robertson, Tarzan Smith, Leif Manson and Jonas Otsuji to counter the "Muscle Alliance." When Manono lost their first Immunity Challenge on Day 8, Matt discovered the misfit alliance planning strategies, who viewed him as the most dangerous of the "Muscle." He then tried to pursuade Troyzan to join change up the game (along with his right hand man Jonas) and gave a plea involving chickens and roosters that was the stuff of legend - he is now often referred to as the "Survivor Rooster." However, despite his efforts, Quinlan was voted out by the "Misfit Alliance," sending him home in a 7-1-1 vote.

Trivia

 * The episode where Matt was voted first aired on a leap day (February 29).