The network has terminated its association with game analyst Mark Sanchez as he faces criminal charges, multiple outlets reported this past Friday.
"We can confirm that Mark Sanchez has ceased with the network," a network representative commented. "There will be no further comment currently."
Assuming the analyst role will be another former NFL quarterback, Drew Brees, as per the information. He will likely to partner with announcer Adam Amin and has a contract to provide commentary until at least 2026.
Background on the Sanchez Situation
The 38-year-old Sanchez had been removed from duties since he was injured in a stabbing and subsequently arrested following a fight in an alley in Indianapolis with a 69-year-old truck driver. He had traveled to call the 5 October game between the Colts and Las Vegas Raiders but was admitted to the hospital and substituted that week by Brady Quinn.
Sanchez has been facing felony battery as well as multiple misdemeanors. The felony charge carries a sentence of one to six years in prison, if convicted, and he has entered a not guilty plea in the Indiana court.
Drew Brees' Career and Background
Brees, 46 left the NFL after the 2020 season and spent the 2021 season with the NBC network, serving as a color analyst for the network’s Notre Dame broadcasts and appearing on a football program.
He has worked in the studio with Fox and ESPN and served as an analyst for Netflix’s international game during the holidays.
He guided the Saints team to a Super Bowl XLIV championship in the 2009 NFL season and was a two-time NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He is second behind Tom Brady in NFL history in yards thrown (80,358) and TD passes (571).
