Mark Sanchez penned an emotional message Friday to those “who kept me standing” in the aftermath of his now-infamous stabbing incident in Indianapolis.
The former Jets quarterback took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the support, writing: “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 continued. “Thank you to the people who kept me standing and gave my family opportunities to share moments like these.”
Sanchez, 39, shared two images of his wife, Perry Mattfeld, and their twin daughters alongside his note.
“From our family to yours,” Sanchez said, “we wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season.”
The Instagram post marks one of the few times Sanchez has spoken publicly since he was involved in an Oct. 4 altercation with a grease truck driver.
Sanchez allegedly quarreled with the man in an alley near a hotel before the quarterback was stabbed.
The ex-NFL star was hospitalized due to injuries he sustained, and he was later hit with multiple criminal charges after investigators alleged he was the aggressor.
Sanchez previously spoke to the public on Oct. 12 as he was leaving Marion County Jail, and though he declined to answer questions about the alleged assault, he did say he was “focused on my recovery.”
“I just want to thank the first responders, Eskenazi Hospital, Marion County Sheriff, and the Indianapolis Police Department, metro PD,” he said. “But I’m focused on my recovery, and I just want to see my wife, I want to see my son, my two baby girls.”
Sanchez — who was sued by the alleged victim amid claims he “permanently disfigured” the man during the dispute — was fired by Fox Sports following the ordeal.
His trial, originally slated for December, has been rescheduled for March.
