Mark Sanchez Announces NFL Retirement After 10 Years, Will Join ESPN As College Football Analyst

Let’s get this out of the way early. Yes, while playing for the New York Jets in 2012, Mark Sanchez indeed infamously ran directly into one of his own linemen’s rear end and proceeded to then fumble the ball away to the New England Patriots, berthing the universally named worst play in NFL history. Ending the opportunity to add other “butt fumbles” to his resume, Sanchez called it a career earlier this week by accepting a “high-profile” job as a college football analyst for ESPN.

Farewell, Mark Sanchez. A very sincere and genuine thank you for the memories pic.twitter.com/vW2bhBE9ig

— Pete Blackburn (@PeteBlackburn) July 23, 2019

Sanchez expressed his excitement going forward by posting a tweet and while also thanking ESPN for opportunity. Sanchez reportedly awaits a multi–show role once beginning his new career path.

Excited about the new opportunity. Big thanks to ESPN for making it happen. Also, glad I graduated from the prestigious @J_No24 Broadcasting Bootcamp! Check out the @GOATFARMMEDIA YouTube channel to see the rest of my extensive training. https://t.co/7JuoIuKBKX pic.twitter.com/Gom1wj8vJy

— Mark Sanchez (@Mark_Sanchez) July 23, 2019

Sanchez played ten seasons as an NFL quarterback, even reaching the AFC Championship with the Jets twice before enjoying stints with the Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins. Over that period, Sanchez racked up over 15,000 yards while tossing 86 touchdowns, paired with 89 interceptions. In his final start last year for the Redskins following Alex Smith’s injury, Sanchez completed six passes on fourteen attempts for 38 yards, while also throwing two interceptions.

SPORTS FIGURES WHO DIED IN 2019 – IN MEMORIAM SLIDESHOW 

We won’t forget this one.

Congrats on retirement, @Mark_Sanchez! #TouchdownTuesday pic.twitter.com/8DCWWd8WaK

— New York Jets (@nyjets) July 23, 2019

Although lasting 10 years as an NFL player remains a modest accomplishment for the former No. 5 overall pick, Sanchez enjoyed greater success at the colligate level. While playing at USC, Sanchez earned a Rose Bowl MVP and first team All–Pac-10 honors during his 2008 season.

Click here for the In Memoriam: Sports Figures Who Died In 2018 Slideshow