Who Is Mark Sanchez? Quick Facts on the Former Footballer Who Was Stabbed Then Arrested: His Net Worth, Wife, Stats, and More

Former NFL star Mark Sanchez was once hailed for his early playoff heroics; now, he's facing felony charges after a late-night altercation in Indianapolis.

On 4 October 2025, Sanchez was involved in a violent incident in downtown Indianapolis at around 12:30am. According to police reports, he was stabbed during an altercation with a 69-year-old worker who had been disposing of restaurant grease into a truck. The situation reportedly escalated after Sanchez began harassing the man, who then used pepper spray in self-defence.

Despite being injured, Sanchez continued threatening the worker, which led to the stabbing. Images later published showed visible injuries to both parties. Sanchez was taken to hospital in critical condition and subsequently arrested.

But just what do we know about Mark Sanchez?

Rise to Fame in the NFL

Mark Travis John Sanchez, born 11 November 1986, was a professional American football quarterback who played ten seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Drafted fifth overall in the 2009 NFL Draft by the New York Jets, Sanchez had previously led the USC Trojans to a 12–1 record in 2008, capping the season with a Rose Bowl win against Penn State.

During his first two years with the Jets, Sanchez helped lead the team to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances. He became just the second quarterback in NFL history, after Ben Roethlisberger, to reach that stage in each of his first two seasons.

After 2010, Sanchez's on-field performance began to decline. He was eventually benched in 2012 and released after a shoulder injury ended his 2013 season. Later, he played as a backup for several teams, including the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears, and Washington Redskins, before retiring in 2019.

Media Career and Net Worth

Following retirement, Sanchez transitioned into broadcasting. He joined ESPN to cover college football before moving to Fox Sports in 2021, where he became a colour analyst for NFL coverage.

Sanchez's financial success reflects both his playing career and media ventures. He earned around £54.9 million (approximately $66.3 million) from NFL contracts alone. His total estimated net worth stands at around £33 million (approximately $40 million), though he has not publicly disclosed details of investments or other assets. He has also secured sponsorships with companies such as PepsiCo and various sports brands.

Personal Life and Marriage

Sanchez married actress Perry Mattfeld in May 2023. The pair met in 2017 through a mutual friend, former NFL player Scotty McKnight, who also officiated their wedding. Much of their early relationship was long-distance.

They became close during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, which Mattfeld described as a turning point. Sanchez proposed during a holiday in Anguilla in May 2022. The couple chose Oaxaca, Mexico, for their wedding to honour their shared Mexican heritage, hosting friends and family for the ceremony.

Stabbing Incident and Arrest

Sanchez had been in Indianapolis to cover the Colts vs. Raiders game for Fox Sports. He was replaced on-air by Brady Quinn after the incident. Although Fox personnel addressed the matter in the lead-up to their Week 5 broadcast, the network has not issued a statement regarding Sanchez's future.

Initial charges included battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle, and public intoxication. These were all misdemeanours at the time of the arrest. However, the following day, the battery charge was upgraded to a felony.

Legacy in Football and Public Scrutiny

Mark Sanchez's early promise and headline-making performances helped make him one of the more recognisable quarterbacks of his draft class. His football career was followed by a successful entry into broadcasting, allowing him to stay visible in the world of American sport.

However, experts say that the 2025 arrest adds a serious complication to his public profile. With legal proceedings now underway, it remains to be seen what long-term impact the incident will have on his broadcasting career and reputation.