By Mark Sanchez may be fired up for the start of a new season. He may not believe that his days are numbered as the New York Jets starting quarterback, despite being named in the Darrelle Revis trade rumors to Tampa Bay, but Sanchez alluded to some frustrations he’s had with the organization in the following interview. Sanchez had a disappointing season last year and still sounds confused as to why the Jets acquired Tim Tebow in the first place. He’s nothing but respectful of Tebow’s work ethic, but subtly hints to the Jets bringing this whole media circus onto themselves. The former USC Trojan also gives us some information on his past relationship with Eva Longoria.
Mark Sanchez joined Fox Sports Radio with Petros and Money to discuss playing alongside Tim Tebow this past season, the Jets bringing on the extensive Tebow media coverage, his relationship with Tebow, Rex Ryan fighting for his job this season and his relationship with Eva Longoria.
What was it like playing with Tim Tebow and the coverage he draws?
“For sure, more than anyone [in terms of being covered by the media]. I just don’t know if it was the best situation for either of us, but you play with the cards you are dealt with and do the very best you can. There’s a bunch of situations for me, personally, I wish I would have played a little better at times, but that’s part of playing this game and trying to develop your identity as an offense. And some of the injuries we sustained prevented us from doing that. That’s part of the game, too, so we really underachieved as a team. We’re looking to change that this year and we trust the front office to put us in a good position, and we’ll have a good year.”
How much more intense was the media coverage with Tim Tebow on the team as compared to going to back-to-back AFC Championships?
“Well, I think part of that, too, is ESPN didn’t necessarily sneak in overnight at our training camp. They had to get permission to go. You can avoid that stuff on your own if you like, in my opinion, but he’s a popular guy and people gravitate towards the guy. He’s a special person and a heck of a competitor, so people want to know what’s going on, but that’s all I got on that.”
What’s the relationship like between the quarterbacks on the team right now?
“It’s cool. We’re good. He’s [Tim Tebow] a nice guy. He works hard and that’s good. It’s honestly, after the shock of the whole thing, was something you were going to have to deal with. I’m dealing with it the best way I can and trying to stay positive about the whole thing, and I think it’s not on my mind. I’m concerned right now with learning a new system and being the best quarterback I can be, and hopefully that helps the team.”
Does it cast a weird vibe over the team that Mike Tannenbaum is gone and Rex Ryan is still the coach looking to prove himself?
“I honestly don’t think guys are thinking about it. I think we enjoy playing for Rex. We know he’s a great motivator, and he’s passionate about what he does, and we’ve seen him be successful. We’ve seen him put this team in a good position and a successful position. I am confident in Rex. I know he’s going to get the best out of our team. I know Mr. John Idzik is going to make the right decisions come this draft and try and help this ball club, so I’m really positive and optimistic about the direction we’re heading. And it’s up to us to eliminate outside distractions, whether it’s about Tebow in the media or just anyone on the outside or anybody’s expectations and really just focusing on us and really trying to get the best of each other. That’s really what it’s about.”
What have you learned big-picture from your romances with different people like, let’s say, Eva Longoria?
“It’s been some of the best and coolest experiences of my life. I’ve met some very encouraging people, some really incredible people that I can honestly respect, and I can say nothing but good things about Eva Longoria or anybody. We had a ball together. She’s a total sweetheart and an amazing women and she’s doing a million things at once. She’s doing interviews and getting her nails done and making deals and doing this and that at 100 mph. She’s pretty incredible. When you meet people like that, you really respect their line of work and what they do and you have a great time together.
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