Former NFL quarterback turned sports commentator, Mark Sanchez is once again making headlines but this time, not for his game-day analysis. The 38-year-old Fox Sports analyst was arrested on three charges, battery, unlawful entry of a vehicle, and public intoxication all while recovering from a stabbing incident in downtown Indianapolis. According to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department, the incident occurred near Senate Avenue and West Washington Street on October 4, around 12:30 a.m.
The shocking turn of events has left fans and locals stunned. Mark was reportedly in the city to cover the Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Raiders game when the altercation took place. The news has once again brought Mark’s personal life into limelight specially his lovelife. Over the years, the charismatic quarterback has built a reputation as one of the NFL’s most eligible bachelors, and has been romantically linked to some of Hollywood’s most famous names. Let’s have a look at Mark Sanchez dating history.
Mark Sanchez’s first major public relationship was with Hilary Rhoda
Mark’s first major public relationship dates back to 2009, when he began dating model, Hilary Rhoda. The pair reportedly met while working together on a GQ Magazine shoot and were said to have ‘instant chemistry.’ At the time, Mark was rising fast in the NFL, while Hilary was making waves in the fashion industry.
Despite their shared spark, the relationship was short-lived. By September that year, they had split with Hilary soon moving on to date hockey star, Sean Avery. Their brief romance marked the beginning of Mark’s string of high-profile relationships with some of entertainment and sports’ most glamorous figures.
Mark Sanchez and Lindsay McCormick
In 2010, Mark was rumored to be seeing sports reporter, Lindsay McCormick. Sources claimed that the two had known each other for some time before their friendship turned romantic. However, Lindsay quickly shut down the rumors, calling Mark merely an ‘acquaintance/friend.’
In a statement to Page Six, she said that she had known Mark for a number of months, and he is an acquaintance/friend. Anything reported as more than that would be false. The sports journalist added that she wanted to keep the focus on the game rather than her personal life.
Mark Sanchez was linked to Jamie-Lynn Sigler next
That same year, Mark began dating Jamie-Lynn Sigler, best known for her role as ‘Meadow Soprano’ on The Sopranos. The two were spotted together frequently and reportedly dated for three months before calling it quits. According to sources at the time, their breakup was mutual, though it stemmed from Mark’s youthful restlessness. A source told Page Six that he was 23 and determined to prove he’s a hot commodity by playing the field. Meanwhile, Jamie was ready for something more stable. Despite the split, both moved on amicably.
Hayden Panettiere and Mark Sanchez allegedly dated for a while
In 2011, Mark was rumored to have briefly dated actress, Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in Heroes and Nashville. The two were often seen hanging out together, sparking widespread speculation of a romance. However, Hayden was quick to deny the rumors, calling Mark ‘a very good friend.’ She said she was a huge Jets fan and became very good friends with him and his buddies. She claimed there was genuinely and absolutely nothing going on between them.
Mark Sanchez relationship with Kate Upton
Later in 2011, Mark was linked to supermodel, Kate Upton. Rumors of their relationship intensified after the quarterback was spotted making multiple late-night visits to her New York apartment. Though neither confirmed the romance, Kate cheekily addressed the rumors in 2012 when asked if she was single after her Sports Illustrated cover debut. The rumored fling reportedly fizzled out after a few months, with no confirmed reason for their split.
Eva Longoria and Mark Sanchez and their high profile romance
In 2012, Mark’s dating life hit peak tabloid frenzy when he was linked to Eva Longoria, the Desperate Housewives star who was fresh off a high-profile divorce from NBA player, Tony Parker. Eva confirmed the relationship in September 2012, and the pair were seen enjoying several outings together. However, their romance was short-lived, ending just a month later. Reports at the time suggested that Eva called things off due to Mark’s ‘sour mood’ over the Jets’ disappointing season. TMZ quoted insiders who claimed that the actress grew tired of his negativity.
Mark Sanchez found his true love with Perry Mattfeld
After a few years away from the headlines, Mark found love again this time for good. In 2017, he began dating actress, Perry Mattfeld, known for her roles in Shameless and In the Dark. The couple’s relationship blossomed quietly away from the spotlight, and they became engaged in May 2022.
The pair tied the knot on May 28, 2023, in a stunning ceremony at a historic colonial monastery in Oaxaca, Mexico. Perry starred in Hulu’s comedy series, Chad Powers alongside Glen Powell, while Mark continues his work as a Fox Sports commentator. Despite his recent troubles, the couple has maintained a strong and supportive bond.
Mark Sanchez’s love life has somewhat mirrored his unpredictable career. It was filled with it’s own share of highs and lows. While his name is currently back in the news for his Indianapolis arrest, his past romances reveal a man who has lived life in the public eye and learned to find stability after years of celebrity chaos.
Now married and settled, Mark’s focus appears to be on healing both physically from his recent incident, and emotionally from a decade of fame, speculation, and scrutiny.
Also Read: Meet Chester Gregory, Kimberly Hebert’s Ex-Husband, Award-Winning Singer, Mindset Alchemist And Dad