Challenges in the Life of Mark Sanchez in a Detailed Timeline

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Mark Sanchez's life and career.

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

April 2006: Arrested on Sexual Assault Accusation

In April 2006, Mark Sanchez was arrested after a female USC student accused him of sexual assault. He was released from jail the following day and suspended.

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.

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.

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.

February 17, 2010: Sanchez Undergoes Knee Surgery

On February 17, 2010, Mark Sanchez underwent successful surgery to repair the patella ligament in his left knee, which he had originally injured while playing for USC.

December 2010: Ryan threatens to reduce Sanchez's repetitions

In December 2010, following dismal performances, Rex Ryan threatened to reduce Sanchez's repetitions with the first-team offense during practice, which infuriated Sanchez.

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.

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.

December 2012: NFL quarterbacks questioned about Sanchez

In December 2012, a panel of former NFL quarterbacks attributed Sanchez's regression to poor accuracy and the Jets' failure to provide sufficient talent around him, with Ron Jaworski noting Sanchez's loss of confidence.

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.

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.

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.

October 8, 2013: Sanchez Undergoes Shoulder Surgery

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

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.

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.

June 2016: Lawsuit alleges fraud against Sanchez

In June 2016, a lawsuit by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission alleged that Sanchez's broker was involved in a "ponzi-like scheme" that defrauded Sanchez, Roy Oswalt, and Jake Peavy of US$30 million.

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.

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.

October 4, 2025: Sanchez Stabbed and Arrested After Altercation

On October 4, 2025, Mark Sanchez was stabbed during an altercation in downtown Indianapolis and rushed to the hospital in critical condition. He was later arrested on charges including battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication.

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.