Who is Mark Sanchez? All about his family and latest injury update

Mark Sanchez, the former NFL quarterback turned Fox Sports analyst, got stabbed in the early hours of October 4 in Indianapolis. The 38-year-old, in town for the Colts-Raiders broadcast, was rushed to the hospital in critical condition but is now stable. Here are details about him, his family and the latest injury update.

Who is Mark Sanchez?

Born November 11, 1986, in Long Beach, California, Mark Sanchez grew up in a Mexican-American household, shaped by his father, Nick Sr., a fire captain, and mother, Olga. After their divorce when he was four, Sanchez and his brothers, Nick Jr. and Brandon, were raised by their dad in Rancho Santa Margarita. High school at Santa Margarita Catholic honed his quarterback skills, but USC launched him to fame.

Mark Sanchez's career

In 2008, Mark Sanchez led the Trojans to a 12-1 record, throwing 34 touchdowns and clinching a Rose Bowl win over Penn State with 34 touchdowns. Scouts loved his poise, and the New York Jets secured him fifth overall in the 2009 draft. His rookie year dazzled with three straight wins and an AFC Championship trip, tying a record for most postseason victories by a first-year QB. He repeated the feat in 2010, falling to the Steelers.

Over 10 NFL seasons with the Jets, Eagles, Cowboys, Bears, and Redskins, Sanchez threw for 14,000+ yards and 86 touchdowns. Injuries and benchings tested him, but his arm strength shone like a 332-yard, two-TD game in 2016.

Retiring in 2018, he pivoted to broadcasting, joining ABC/ESPN before becoming a fan-favourite Fox analyst in 2021. His $40 million net worth, built from NFL earnings and real estate, supports his Mark Sanchez Foundation, aiding kids with education and sports.

Mark Sanchez's family

Sanchez is married to actress Perry Mattfeld, known for her roles in Shameless and In the Dark. Sanchez met Mattfeld in 2017 through mutual friend Scotty McKnight during his Bears days and her Shameless filming in Chicago. Their first date at Au Cheval sparked a real connection.

The couple got engaged in May 2022 and tied the knot in 2023 in a historic 16th-century colonial monastery in Oaxaca, Mexico.

Together, they have three children. They share three children, including 8-year-old son Daniel, a groomsman at their wedding, and twin daughters, kept private to shield them from fame. Sanchez’s family has not yet released an official statement regarding the incident.

Latest injury update

The tragic incident took place around 12:30 AM on October 4 near West Washington and North Senate in downtown Indianapolis. IMPD responded to a "physical disturbance" between two men outside a pub, one with lacerations, the other with stab wounds. Sanchez was rushed to the hospital in critical condition.

Fox confirmed that Sanchez is stable after few hours.

"Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition," the network stated.

"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."

Details regarding suspect

A suspect is detained, claiming self-defense; the case heads to prosecutors. Sanchez will miss the game, but his booth return feels certain.