Former NFL Quarterback Mark Sanchez Hospitalized After Stabbing Incident, Faces Multiple Misdemeanor Charges

Former NFL quarterback and current Fox Sports analyst Mark Sanchez was hospitalized after being stabbed during an altercation early Saturday morning in downtown Indianapolis. Authorities later confirmed that Sanchez was arrested by the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (IMPD) and is facing three misdemeanor charges — battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication.

According to an IMPD statement, the incident occurred around 12:30 a.m. Saturday in the Wholesale District, a popular nightlife area located near the Indiana Statehouse. Detectives reviewed video footage showing a confrontation between two men, one of whom sustained lacerations, while the other, later identified as Sanchez, suffered stab wounds.

Police said no additional suspects are being sought, and the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office will make the final decision on formal charges. Sanchez remains hospitalized and has not yet been booked into custody.

Earlier on Saturday, Fox Sports released a statement confirming Sanchez’s condition and asking for privacy:

“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.”

Sanchez, 38, had been scheduled to serve as a color commentator for Fox Sports’ broadcast of the Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday, but he will no longer participate.

Drafted fifth overall by the New York Jets in 2009 after a standout career at USC, Sanchez led the team to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in his first two NFL seasons. Over his eight-year career, he also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and Washington Commanders, where he last appeared in 2018.

The New York Jets expressed their support in a post on X (formerly Twitter):

“Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery, 6.”

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.