Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mark Sanchez

How Mark Sanchez built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Mark Sanchez is a former American football quarterback who played 10 seasons in the NFL. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the 2009 NFL draft after playing college football at USC. Sanchez led the Jets to two AFC Championship games in his first two seasons. He later played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Redskins before retiring. His career is largely remembered for his early success with the Jets and subsequent struggles, including the infamous "butt fumble".

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

2006: Limited Playing Time

During the 2006 season, Mark Sanchez competed for the starting quarterback position and saw limited playing time, completing 3 of 7 pass attempts for 63 yards and an interception.

2007: Rise to Prominence

In 2007, Mark Sanchez rose to prominence at the University of Southern California due to injuries to the starting quarterback.

2007: Named Starting Quarterback

In 2007, Mark Sanchez was named the starting quarterback for USC against Arizona after John David Booty suffered a broken finger.

2008: Named Starting Quarterback at USC

By the end of spring practice in 2008, Pete Carroll announced that Mark Sanchez would be the starting quarterback heading into the fall.

2008: Named USC Starter

In 2008, Sanchez was named the starting quarterback for USC, leading them to a 12-1 record and a Rose Bowl victory.

June 10, 2009: Signs Contract with Jets

On June 10, 2009, Mark Sanchez signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the New York Jets, including $28 million guaranteed, which was the largest contract in Jets' history at the time.

August 26, 2009: Named Jets' Starter

On August 26, 2009, Mark Sanchez was named the starting quarterback for the New York Jets, becoming the first rookie quarterback to start the season for the team since 1960.

September 13, 2009: NFL Debut

On September 13, 2009, Mark Sanchez started his first regular season NFL game against the Houston Texans, throwing his first touchdown pass to Chansi Stuckey. The Jets won 24-7 and Sanchez was named Pepsi Rookie of the Week.

December 3, 2009: Sanchez Suffers Sprained PCL

On December 3, 2009, Mark Sanchez sprained his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the third quarter during a game against the Buffalo Bills, leading to him being replaced by Clemens.

2009: Selected by the Jets in the NFL Draft

Despite being considered inexperienced, Sanchez entered the 2009 NFL draft and was selected by the New York Jets in the first round.

2009: Scouting Combine and Draft Interest

In 2009, Mark Sanchez attended the Scouting Combine, where his performance was well-received. He was ranked as one of the top two quarterbacks. Several NFL teams expressed interest in drafting Sanchez.

2009: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2009, Mark Sanchez was drafted by the New York Jets in the first round of the NFL draft.

2009: Enters NFL Draft

In January 2009, Mark Sanchez announced his plans to forgo his final year of college eligibility and enter the 2009 NFL Draft. He continued as a USC student, completing his degree in the spring of 2009.

January 3, 2010: Sanchez Leads Jets to Playoffs

On January 3, 2010, Mark Sanchez led the New York Jets into the playoffs after a 37–0 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals. He completed 8 of 16 passes for 63 yards in a subpar performance. The Bengals had already clinched a playoff berth and rested their starters.

January 9, 2010: Wild Card Round Victory

On January 9, 2010, Mark Sanchez led the Jets to a 24–14 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in the Wild Card Round with a strong performance, completing 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. He became the fourth rookie quarterback in NFL history to win his first postseason contest.

January 17, 2010: Jets Advance to AFC Championship

On January 17, 2010, Mark Sanchez helped the Jets defeat the San Diego Chargers 17–14, securing their third AFC Championship appearance. He became only the second rookie quarterback to win two consecutive playoff games.

November 7, 2010: First 300-Yard Passing Game

On November 7, 2010, Mark Sanchez recorded his first career 300-yard passing game in a win over the Detroit Lions.

December 26, 2010: Jets Lose to Bears but Clinch Playoff Berth

On December 26, 2010, Mark Sanchez played against the Chicago Bears, completing 24 of 37 passes for a touchdown and an interception, despite a shoulder injury. The Jets lost the game 38–34, but clinched a playoff berth due to a loss by the Jacksonville Jaguars.

January 23, 2011: Jets Face Steelers in AFC Championship

On January 23, 2011, the Jets, led by Mark Sanchez, faced the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship for a second consecutive season.

March 9, 2012: Sanchez Receives Contract Extension

On March 9, 2012, the Jets agreed to a 3-year contract extension with Mark Sanchez, which included $20 million in guarantees, despite questions surrounding his job security after the acquisition of Tim Tebow.

October 14, 2012: Sanchez Snaps Completion Streak

On October 14, 2012, Mark Sanchez completed 11 of 18 passes for 82 yards and 2 touchdowns in a 35–9 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, snapping a streak of completing under 50% of his passes in four straight games.

December 2, 2012: Sanchez Benched Against Cardinals

On December 2, 2012, Mark Sanchez was benched in the third quarter of the Jets' game against the Arizona Cardinals after throwing three interceptions. He was replaced by Greg McElroy. The Jets won the game 7-6.

August 24, 2013: Sanchez Suffers Shoulder Injury

On August 24, 2013, Mark Sanchez suffered a shoulder injury in the Jets' preseason game against the New York Giants after being tackled by Marvin Austin.

September 14, 2013: Sanchez Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 14, 2013, Mark Sanchez was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return, as he was still recovering from his shoulder injury.

October 8, 2013: Sanchez Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

On October 8, 2013, Mark Sanchez underwent shoulder surgery and was announced to miss the rest of the season.

March 21, 2014: Jets Release Sanchez

On March 21, 2014, the Jets released Mark Sanchez. This happened the same day they signed Michael Vick.

March 29, 2014: Sanchez Signs with Eagles

On March 29, 2014, Mark Sanchez signed a one-year, $2.25 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles.

November 10, 2014: First Start for the Eagles

On November 10, 2014, Mark Sanchez started his first game for the Philadelphia Eagles, leading them to a 45–21 victory over the Carolina Panthers on Monday Night Football. He threw for 332 yards and two touchdowns.

March 8, 2015: Eagles Re-Sign Sanchez

On March 8, 2015, the Philadelphia Eagles re-signed Mark Sanchez to a two-year, $16 million contract. He remained the backup quarterback, however, after Nick Foles was traded for Sam Bradford.

November 15, 2015: Sanchez Plays in Relief of Bradford

On November 15, 2015, Mark Sanchez played in relief of an injured Sam Bradford during a Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins. He went 14 of 23 with 156 yards and an interception, with the Eagles losing 20-19.

March 11, 2016: Sanchez Traded to Broncos

On March 11, 2016, Mark Sanchez was traded to the Denver Broncos for a 2017 conditional draft pick.

September 3, 2016: Sanchez Released by Broncos

On September 3, 2016, Mark Sanchez was released by the Denver Broncos after failing to secure the starting quarterback position.

March 23, 2017: Sanchez Signs with Chicago Bears

On March 23, 2017, Mark Sanchez signed a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears, who sought his "positive influence" as a mentor to rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, similar to his role with Dak Prescott.

November 19, 2018: Sanchez Signs with Washington Redskins

On November 19, 2018, Mark Sanchez signed with the Washington Redskins as a backup to Colt McCoy after Alex Smith's season-ending injury.

July 23, 2019: Sanchez Announces Retirement

On July 23, 2019, Mark Sanchez announced his retirement from professional football and transitioned to a position with ESPN's college football coverage.

2019: Analyst for ESPN

In 2019, Mark Sanchez began working as an analyst for ESPN.

2021: Analyst for Fox Sports

In 2021, Mark Sanchez transitioned to working as an analyst for Fox Sports.

November 2025: Sanchez Fired from Fox Sports After Stabbing Incident

In November 2025, following an altercation in Indianapolis, Mark Sanchez was fired from Fox Sports. The incident involved Sanchez harassing a worker, leading to a stabbing and his replacement by Brady Quinn for a Colts game broadcast.