NFL analyst and former USC star quarterback Mark Sanchez has been hospitalized after being stabbed early Saturday morning in Indianapolis.
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department released a statement Saturday that it was investigating a physical disturbance that happened about 12:30 a.m. involving two adult males, with “one receiving lacerations and the other sustaining injuries consistent with stab wounds.”
It added that the detectives believe it to be an isolated incident between the two men and not a random act of violence, and that “the case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for a charging decision.”
Fox Sports, for whom Sanchez was going to call Sunday’s game between the Indianapolis Colts and Las Vegas Raiders, said in a statement that Sanchez is recovering and in stable condition.
“We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time,” Fox Sports said in the statement.
Sanchez, 38, played four seasons at USC after a stellar stint at Mission Viejo High, which was capped by a CIF Southern Section Division II title in 2004. After three years as a backup at USC, Sanchez started in 2008 and led the Trojans to a 12-1 record and a Rose Bowl victory over Penn State.
Despite pushback from Trojans head coach Pete Carroll on his decision to go pro, Sanchez was selected fifth overall by the New York Jets in the 2009 NFL draft. He helped lead the Jets to consecutive AFC Championship Game appearances in his first two seasons and also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington.
Sanchez played his last NFL game in 2018 and announced his retirement in 2019, after which he embarked on a broadcasting career with ESPN.
The Jets posted a message on X, formerly known as Twitter, in support for their former quarterback: “Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery, 6.”
More to come on this story.