It’s been almost 2 decades since Michael Irvin hung up his boots. But he remains one of the most heard voices in the game. So, when the NFL world is dealing with a major incident involving former NFL quarterback and Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez‘s stabbing and felony charges ahead of Week 5 in Indianapolis, he had to give his opinion about it.

Talking to guest host Suzy Shuster on The Rich Eisen Show, “I tell you where my heart goes out to is that situation, and he’s not playing anymore, but that Mark Sanchez is in right now. Mark’s been around a long time, and we’ve seen Mark grow up right in front of us, and we’ve never heard anything like this kind of behavior,” the former FOX employee said.

However, he also requested everyone to wait for more details. The legend hinted that something must have made the former NY Jets QB behave in such a violent manner. “So, I was praying, hoping that he’s okay because something had to trigger this kind of behavior. Praying for the guy that is injured, and certainly praying for Mark and hoping he’s okay,” the Dallas Cowboys legend added.

Mark Sanchez is facing serious legal trouble. According to police reports, Sanchez got into an argument with a delivery driver named Perry Tole over a parking spot near a local pub in Indianapolis. Witnesses said Sanchez appeared drunk and aggressive. Allegedly, the driver tried to defend himself with pepper spray and then a knife. Sanchez was stabbed several times in the upper body, while Tole suffered deep cuts on his face and was hospitalised.

The 38-year-old is facing a felony count of battery along with three misdemeanors: battery causing injury, unlawful entry of a vehicle, and public intoxication. If convicted, Sanchez could face between one and six years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000.

Police say there is video footage from nearby cameras and several witnesses who saw the fight. Prosecutors have also noted that Tole’s age could make the case more serious. The truck driver has now filed a civil lawsuit against both Sanchez and Fox Sports, accusing them of assault, battery, and negligent supervision.

Many in the football community have also expressed their concern. The New York Jets, Sanchez’s former team, posted on social media, “Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery.” However, Fox Sports had to move quickly to adjust its broadcast plans.

Mark Schlereth to Replace Mark Sanchez on Fox

The network replaced Sanchez for the week 5 Colts–Raiders broadcast with Brady Quinn, another former NFL quarterback. But now, as the legal process continues, Fox has named a new replacement for Week 6.

Fox Sports has confirmed that Mark Schlereth, a three-time Super Bowl champion and longtime analyst, will step in for Mark Sanchez this Sunday. Schlereth will serve as the color commentator for the Seattle Seahawks– Jacksonville Jaguars game at 1 p.m. ET, working alongside play-by-play announcer Chris Myers and sideline reporter Sarah Kustok.

Schlereth has been part of Fox’s NFL team since the 2017–18 season. He played 12 years in the NFL as an offensive lineman, winning three Super Bowls and earning two Pro Bowl selections. Known for his easy humor and strong game knowledge, he has become a reliable voice in Fox’s football coverage.

The network is taking a week-to-week approach in deciding Sanchez’s future role. For now, the focus for Sanchez will be on his health and legal defense. His first court hearing will take place on November 4. Meanwhile, Fox’s Week 6 coverage will continue smoothly, even as questions remain about Sanchez’s future with the network.