Shocking news has emerged from Indianapolis, where the former NFL quarterback and FOX Sports broadcaster, Mark Sanchez, was reportedly hospitalized after sustaining stabbing wounds on Saturday morning. The Indianapolis Metro department reported that the “investigation” is currently underway and reported the time of the incident at around 12:30 AM. Thoughts and prayers are now pouring in for the Fox Sports broadcaster, including from his rival, ESPN’s broadcaster Pat McAfee.

The whole incident is reported to be a robbery according to the authorities, which happened when Sanchez was prepping for his upcoming Indianapolis Game broadcast against the Las Vegas Raiders at the Lucas Oil Stadium. “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,” said FOX Sports in a statement. Fellow broadcaster and College GameDay host Pat McAfee also sent prayers to Sanchez.

“Man… this is heartbreaking and scary to read. GODSPEED on your recovery @Mark_Sanchez 🙏🏻,” wrote McAfee on X. Sanchez, 38, has an illustrious tenure in the NFL, getting drafted as the fifth overall pick in the 2009 NFL draft. His USC tenure from 2005-2008 brought him immense success, earning First-Team All-PAC 12 honors in 2008, and in the NFL, he made it to the PFWA rookie team in 2009. Sanchez then played for multiple NFL teams, establishing himself as a reliable quarterback.

Sanchez played from 2009-2013 for the New York Jets and went to the Eagles for a season. From then on, he has stints at the Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins, ending his NFL career in 2018. The Jets, after the news of Sanchez’s hospitalization, sent thoughts and prayers to their former quarterback.

“Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery,” wrote the Jets on their X account. Sanches’s contribution to the Jets involved helping the team make consecutive AFC championship games in just his first two seasons. Sanchez, by the feat, also became the second QB after Ben Roethlisberger to reach two conference games in just the first two seasons. However, the widespread acclaim followed him at the press box, too, when he joined FOX Sports to kickstart his broadcasting career.

Authorities issue a statement on Sanchez’s robbery incident

Despite serving for two rival camps (ESPN and FOX), Pat McAfee and Sanchez have crossed paths a few times, sharing mutual respect. For instance, in 2020, Sanchez appeared on the Pat McAfee show and vented his frustration with the Jets’ QB room. “You’re putting a product out there… that is in no way ready to compete… It’s frustrating to watch & I really feel for Sam [Darnold]. Because I’ve lived it,” said Sanchez at the time. Since that time, the QB situation for the Jets hasn’t improved, as the team hasn’t won a game this season. As for Sanchez’s robbery incident, the Indianapolis Metro Police have released a statement.

“Detectives believe this was an isolated incident between two men and not a random act of violence. The case will be presented to the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office for a charging decision,” said the IMPD police. While another report mentioned the injury suffered after the altercation. “One man received lacerations, while the other man received injuries consistent with stab wounds,” reported Adam Schefter.

Sanchez’s 2022 “clear your browser history” call in the Rams vs. Falcons game showed the hilarious creativity he brings to the game. His play-by-play announcing is widely praised for his insight and has earned a tag of “fan favorite” in many circles. We pray for the broadcaster’s health and hope he recovers swiftly and makes it to the press box to deliver those QB insights as he always does.