Former NFL star Mark Sanchez was stabbed earlier this year in October. Now, he's set to go to criminal trial for the incident on December 11. Sanchez was involved in an altercation with truck driver Perry Tole, who stabbed him as a means of defending himself.
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As Sanchez faces his upcoming trial, it seems the ex-quarterback has been doing a lot of reflecting.
On Instagram on Friday, Sanchez posted a heartfelt message, which included pictures of his wife and two daughters. He shared, "This time of year always makes me look around and appreciate what matters, but this one hits different. I'm just grateful—to wake up, to be home, and to be able to wrap my arms around my wife and kids."
He wrapped it up, saying, "Thank you to the people who kept me standing and gave my family opportunities to share moments like these. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season."
Sanchez currently faces charges of public intoxication and unlawful entry of a motor vehicle. He also faces a Level 5 felony of battery involving serious bodily injury.
What Really Happened to Sanchez in October
Mark Sanchez first gained notoriety for his time with the New York Jets, where he led the team to the AFC Championship Games as a rookie quarterback. This accomplishment made him one of two quarterbacks to reach the championships within his first two years of playing.
This year, Sanchez made headlines for a different reason. While staying at a hotel in Indianapolis, he confronted truck driver Perry Tole about where his truck was parked. He was there to cover the Indianapolis Colts game.
According to reports by the AP, Perry said that Mark was clearly intoxicated and his speech was slurring when he jumped in the truck to confront him. He backed off when Tole asked, but when the truck driver attempted to call the hotel's manager, Mark got back into the truck.
Tole, feeling threatened, sprayed the Fox Sports reporter with pepper spray, which prompted Snachez to move towards him aggressively. That's when Tole stabbed Sanchez, who would later end up in the hospital in critical condition. The driver also received a wound on his left cheek.
The former NFL player has since been fired from Fox Sports, where he was a game analyst before the incident.
Photo by: Getty Images
