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 NFL quarterback who played for 10 seasons. After a successful college career at USC, he was drafted by the New York Jets in 2009. He led the Jets to two AFC Championship Games early in his career. Sanchez later played for other teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. Since retiring from professional football, Sanchez has become a color analyst for NFL coverage on Fox and Fox Sports 1.

Sections (5)

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

1960: Dick Jamieson Starts for Jets

Dick Jamieson became the first rookie quarterback to start the season for the team since Dick Jamieson in 1960.

1990: Todd Marinovich Leaves USC Early

Mark Sanchez became the first USC quarterback to leave school early for the NFL since Todd Marinovich did so after the 1990 season.

2000: Chad Pennington Drafted by Jets

Chad Pennington was drafted 18th overall in the 2000 NFL draft.

2000: Jets Victory Over New England

The Jets secured their first victory over New England at home since 2000.

2004: CIF Division II Championship

In 2004, Mark Sanchez led the Diablos to a 27-1 record culminating with the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division II championship.

2006: Competed for Starting Position

In 2006, Mark Sanchez competed for the starting quarterback position at USC and was promoted to run the first-team offense during the spring due to an injury suffered by starting quarterback John David Booty. He saw limited playing time in games against Arkansas, Stanford and Oregon, completing three of seven pass attempts for 63 yards and an interception.

2007: Broke Thumb, Named Starting Quarterback

Before USC's 2007 season, Mark Sanchez broke his right thumb, missing the first game against Idaho. He returned the following week as Booty's backup, earning limited playing time in wins against Nebraska and Washington State. After Booty suffered a broken finger, Sanchez was named the starting quarterback against Arizona.

2007: Rose to Prominence at USC

In 2007, Mark Sanchez rose to prominence at the University of Southern California due to injuries suffered by the starting quarterback, John David Booty. He also gained popularity within the Los Angeles community due to his Mexican-American heritage.

2008: Named Starting Quarterback

After spring practice in 2008, Mark Sanchez was named the starting quarterback for USC heading into the fall. During the first week of fall camp, Sanchez dislocated his left kneecap during warm-ups prior to practice; after missing nearly three weeks, Sanchez was cleared to play in the opener against Virginia.

2008: Named USC Starter, Wins Rose Bowl

In 2008, Mark Sanchez was named the starting quarterback for USC. He led the team to a 12-1 record and secured a victory in the Rose Bowl against Penn State.

June 10, 2009: Signed with the Jets

On June 10, 2009, Mark Sanchez signed a five-year, $50 million contract with the New York Jets, with $28 million guaranteed, making it the largest contract the Jets signed a player to in franchise history.

August 26, 2009: Named Jets Starting Quarterback

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 Dick Jamieson in 1960.

September 13, 2009: First NFL Game and Touchdown

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, during the second game against the Bills, Mark Sanchez sprained his posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the third quarter, leading to Clemens replacing him. Despite no setbacks, coach Ryan benched Sanchez in the following game against Tampa Bay as a precaution.

2009: Entered the NFL Draft

Despite some concerns about inexperience, Mark Sanchez entered the 2009 NFL draft and was selected by the New York Jets in the first round.

2009: Invited to Scouting Combine

In 2009, Mark Sanchez received an invitation to the 2009 Scouting Combine, where his performance was well received. He was ranked as one of the top two quarterbacks, behind Matthew Stafford. Several NFL teams expressed interest in Sanchez.

2009: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2009, Mark Sanchez was selected by the New York Jets in the first round (fifth overall) of the NFL draft after playing college football for the USC Trojans.

January 3, 2010: Sanchez Leads Jets to Playoffs

On January 3, 2010, Mark Sanchez led the Jets into the playoffs after a victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, despite a subpar performance where he completed 8 of 16 passes for 63 yards. The Bengals rested their starters having already secured a playoff berth. The Jets clinched their first playoff berth since 2006.

January 9, 2010: Jets Defeat Bengals in Wild Card Round

On January 9, 2010, Mark Sanchez led the Jets to a 24–14 victory over the Bengals in the Wild Card Round, completing 12 of 15 passes for 182 yards and a touchdown. Sanchez 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, leading to the team's third AFC Championship appearance. Sanchez became the second rookie quarterback to win two consecutive playoff games.

November 7, 2010: Sanchez Records 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, Clinch Playoff Berth

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

2010: Sanchez establishes "Jets West"

In 2010, after knee surgery, Sanchez established "Jets West", an annual off-season camp in California for his offensive teammates, featuring workouts and classroom review sessions.

January 23, 2011: Jets Face Steelers in AFC Championship

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

2011: ESPN Radio broadcasts Jets games in Los Angeles due to Sanchez's popularity

In 2011, ESPN Radio and the Jets reached an agreement to broadcast all of the team's regular season games on 710 ESPN Radio in Los Angeles due to Sanchez's continued popularity in California.

March 9, 2012: Jets Extend Sanchez's Contract

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

October 14, 2012: Sanchez Snaps Streak Against Colts

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

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.

2012: Replaced as Jets Quarterback

Towards the end of the 2012 season, Mark Sanchez was replaced as quarterback for the New York Jets by Greg McElroy after a period of regression for both him and the team.

September 14, 2013: Sanchez Placed on Injured Reserve

On September 14, 2013, Mark Sanchez was placed on injured reserve with a designation to return due to his shoulder injury.

2013: Suffered Season-Ending Injury, Signed with Eagles

In 2013, Mark Sanchez suffered a season-ending shoulder injury during the preseason and was released by the Jets after the season. He was subsequently signed by the Philadelphia Eagles.

March 21, 2014: Jets Release Sanchez

On March 21, 2014, Mark Sanchez was released by the New York Jets after much speculation about his future with the team.

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: Sanchez Leads Eagles to Victory

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

March 8, 2015: Eagles Re-sign Sanchez

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

November 15, 2015: Sanchez Plays in Relief of Injured Bradford

On November 15, 2015, Mark Sanchez came into a Week 10 game against the Miami Dolphins in relief of injured starter Sam Bradford. Sanchez threw an interception in the endzone, contributing to the Eagles' 20-19 loss.

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 losing the starting quarterback competition to Trevor Siemian.

March 23, 2017: Sanchez signs with Chicago Bears

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

May 30, 2017: Sanchez suffers knee injury

On May 30, 2017, Sanchez suffered a minor knee injury, causing him to miss team activities. As a result, the Bears rescinded a waiver request for Connor Shaw. Sanchez made the final roster but did not play during the 2017 season.

April 13, 2018: Sanchez suspended for violating NFL's drug policy

On April 13, 2018, Sanchez was suspended for four games for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drug policy. Sanchez claimed the positive test was due to "unknowing supplement contamination."

November 19, 2018: Sanchez signs with Washington Redskins

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

2018: Retired from NFL

After spending a season each as a backup for the Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins, Mark Sanchez retired from the NFL after the 2018 season.

July 23, 2019: Sanchez retires and joins ESPN

On July 23, 2019, Mark Sanchez announced his retirement from the NFL and subsequently took a position with ESPN's college football coverage.

2019: Joined ESPN as an Analyst

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

2021: Joined Fox Sports as an Analyst

In 2021, Mark Sanchez left ESPN and began working as an analyst for Fox Sports.

2021: Sanchez moves to Fox

In 2021, Mark Sanchez transitioned from ESPN to Fox, where he started calling NFL games and appearing on FS1 studio shows.

November 2025: Sanchez fired from Fox Sports

In November 2025, Fox confirmed that Mark Sanchez was fired following an incident where he was arrested for battery, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication. He had been in Indianapolis to cover a game for Fox Sports.