Jets Owner Says Mark Sanchez Is Staying In New York

Mark Sanchez is staying in New York. Jets owner Woody Johnson has come out in support of his former franchise QB.

What Johnson failed to mention was whether Sanchez’s starting job was safe. The former USC star hurt his shoulder in the Jets’ third preseason game. He’s currently listed as day-to-day but could miss multiple weeks to start the season.

With Mark Sanchez out rookie Geno Smith will start at QB week one for New York. Smith sprained his ankle during the preseason but is healthy enough to play. If Smith couldn’t go Matt Simms or recently signed Brady Quinn would have to start.

At this point it is probably safe to assume the QB1 job is Geno Smith’s to lose. Sanchez, drafted number five overall in 2009 has fallen out of favor in New York. His first two seasons saw him lead the Jets to the AFC Championship game. His last two seasons have seen New York miss the playoffs.

Mark Sanchez turned in a turnover machine the last two seasons. Now his career might be unfairly defined by the “Butt Fumble.” During a game against the Patriots last season Sanchez literally ran into his offensive lineman’s butt and fumbled the football.

Despite the hardships Mark Sanchez is making a guaranteed $8.25 million this year. The Jets might be more embarrassed to release him then keep him. As long as he’s on the team there is a chance he could resurrect his career.

To show exactly what Sanchez has to overcome, here’s a video of the “Butt Fumble.” Humorous music has been included to emphasize how fans feel:

There are also rumors that Sanchez is worried the Jets will place him on injured reserve. For now those should stay rumors.

All we know for sure about Mark Sanchez being a Jet is exactly that. Sanchez is in no danger of losing his roster spot in New York. What will be interesting to see is what happens when Sanchez is healthy if Geno Smith is playing well.