Sports world reacts after Mark Sanchez stabbed in Downtown Indianapolis; friends, teammates, and fans flood social media with support

The sports community was shaken Saturday(October 4) after former NFL quarterback and FOX Sports analyst Mark Sanchez was stabbed in downtown Indianapolis. The 38-year-old was hospitalized in stable condition following the early morning attack. Authorities say the incident involved a physical altercation between two men and is being treated as an isolated event. Fans, athletes, and former teammates quickly took to social media to express support, calling the news “heartbreaking and scary.” Sanchez was in town to call the Colts’ game against the Raiders for Fox.

“Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery 6,” the Jets wrote on X. “Prayers to my former teammate.”

“Man… this is heartbreaking and scary to read. GODSPEED on your recovery,” Pat McAfee, who played for the Colts and now hosts a show on ESPN, wrote on X.
“Send thoughts and prayers please to Mark and his family!” fellow former USC quarterback Matt Leinart wrote on X. “Damn man… Prayers up for my guy and USC brother Mark Sanchez. This is ridiculous!,” Sanchez’s former Fox colleague and ex-star USC wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson wrote on X.

According to New York Post website, several figures at ESPN, where Sanchez began his broadcasting career, also shared messages of support and concern.

“Praying for Mark,” ESPN analyst and former NFL quarterback Dan Orlovsky wrote on X. “One of the nicest people you can come across.” “Asking all of you for your prayers,” “SportsCenter” host Kevin Negandhi wrote on the platform. “Mark Sanchez is one of the kindest people you will meet. He’s family to many who know him.”Fox Sports confirmed that Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis and is now recovering in stable condition. The network expressed gratitude to the medical team for their care and asked the public to respect Sanchez and his family’s privacy during this time.