Former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez was urgently taken to the hospital with serious injuries in Indianapolis on Saturday morning after reportedly being stabbed in the chest during an altercation with a food delivery worker.

Authorities were alerted to a disturbance in downtown Indianapolis around 12:30 am, where they discovered two injured individuals, including Sanchez.

The 38-year-old, who was in Indianapolis to provide commentary for Fox Sports during Sunday’s NFL match between the Colts and the Las Vegas Raiders, is currently recuperating at a nearby hospital in ‘stable’ condition, as announced by the network.

According to FOX59 anchor Angela Ganote, Sanchez was not cooperative with police when they first arrived on the scene.

Ganote alleges that another man listed as the victim in the police report informed cops that he was delivering food when the Fox commentator told him he needed to move his vehicle and couldn’t park where he was.

Sanchez is accused of threatening, following and attacking the man, who tried to pepper spray him unsuccessfully. He alleges it was at that time that he defended himself with a knife.

Officers noted that the alleged victim had a significant injury to his face, Ganote added. Sanchez has not yet been interviewed by police.

A separate FOX59 report claims he was stabbed in the chest during the altercation, which took place near Loughmiller’s Pub & Eatery.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department released a statement on Saturday afternoon regarding the incident, which took place near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street.

‘The incident involved two adult males, resulting in one man receiving lacerations and the other sustaining injuries consistent with stab wounds. Detectives believe this was an isolated incident between the two men and not a random act of violence,’ the IMPD statement reads.

‘Both individuals, who are not local residents, have been identified. IMPD Aggravated Assault detectives are continuing the investigation and have reviewed video footage of the incident. Both men received medical treatment. The man with the apparent stab wounds remains hospitalized in stable condition.’

Sanchez, who is married to American actress Perry Mattfeld, played 10 seasons in the NFL with the New York Jets, who selected him with the fifth overall pick in the 2009 draft, Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and the formerly-named Washington Redskins. 

He also spent time with the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears despite failing to make an NFL appearance for either team.

Before moving up to the big leagues, Sanchez led one of the best teams in college football at USC.  

The ex-football star is also a big name away from the sport, given he was romantically linked to the likes of Eva Longaria, Kate Upton and Jamie-Lynn Sigler in years gone by.

He is now married to Hollywood star Mattfeld after tying the knot in Oaxaca, Mexico back in May 2023. 

The couple have two children together after Perry gave birth to twins in March. Sanchez also has an eight-year-old son, Daniel, from one of his previous relationships.

Tributes have poured in for Sanchez following the news on Saturday, with the New York Jets writing on social media: ‘Sending our thoughts and love to Mark Sanchez and his family. Hoping for a speedy recovery, 6’.

‘D–n man… Prayers up for my guy and USC brother Mark Sanchez. This is ridiculous!’ former Jets wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson also posted on X.

Former NFL linebacker and ex-Fox star Emmanuel Acho commented: ‘Trying not to freak out, but praying fervently for Mark’s healing. Praying for his wife Perry’s peace in the midst of this chaos, and praying for his whole family. Mark is one of the greatest men you’ll ever know. Love you’.