NFL icon stabbed and left fighting for life just hours before commentary on match

NFL legend Mark Sanchez is fighting for his life after he was stabbed before he was due to commentate on a game. The 38-year-old played for the New York Jets, Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins across a ten-year spell in the NFL.

After hanging up his cleats, the former first-round pick has moved into commentating. He was due in the booth over the weekend, but police reportedly received a phone call at around 12:30am on Saturday morning to a street in Indianapolis.

According to TMZ, there were two injured at the scene including Sanchez, who was rushed to a local hospital. Sanchez had been due to commentate on the Indianapolis Colts' clash with the Las Vegas Raiders for Fox Sports.

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“Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition,” Fox Sports said in a social media statement on Saturday afternoon.

“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.”

Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department confirmed they had responded to a "disturbance in an alley" and one person had been stabbed while another was injured.

The IMPD released a further update released late on Saturday night. "After further investigation and following consultation with the Marion County Prosecutor's Office, IMPD arrested 38-year-old Mark Sanchez for his alleged role in this incident," they said. "Sanchez was arrested at the hospital for battery with injury, unlawful entry of a motor vehicle and public intoxication, all of which are misdemeanours.

"All involved parties have been identified and no further individuals are being sought by detectives." They added: "Sanchez is still in the hospital and has not been booked into the Adult Detention Centre."