Portugal Colonial - Ex-NFL QB Sanchez in hospital after reported stabbing

"Mark Sanchez was injured in Indianapolis on Saturday and is currently recovering in the hospital in stable condition," broadcaster Fox Sports said in a statement without elaborating on the cause or nature of Sanchez's injuries.

TMZ Sports reported that Sanchez was stabbed in the early morning hours on Saturday in an incident in downtown Indianapolis shortly after midnight.

The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department issued a statement on the incident without identifying the two individuals involved.

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

"Both individuals, who are not local residents, have been identified ... it is the practice of the IMPD Public Affairs Office to not identify victims or suspects in incidents, unless the suspect is arrested, charged or being sought."

Sanchez, 38, was selected fifth overall in the 2009 NFL draft by the New York Jets.

He helped the Jets to the AFC championship game in each of his first two seasons.

In an eight-year NFL career he also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys and Washington.

"We are deeply grateful to the medical team for their exceptional care and support," Fox Sports said in their statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mark, and we ask that everyone please respect his and his family’s privacy during this time."

P.Cavaco--PC