Mark Sanchez Is All-In With The Broncos: Ryan Edwards

Mark Sanchez is All-in with the Broncos

Ryan Edwards

Well, of course he is, right? What are his other options? Former Jets and Eagles QB Mark Sanchez has no choice but to be all-in with the Broncos. Not just because he was traded here and not just because he is holding on to a dream of playing in the NFL. He is all-in because THIS is the team he wants to play for. In fact, he’s wanted to play here for the better part of two years. According to the New York Daily News, he was hoping to join the Broncos in 2014 following his release from the Jets but Texans QB Brock Osweiler was the backup then to Peyton Manning and the Broncos weren’t in the market for another backup to the future hall-of-famer who just finished the best offensive performance by a QB in NFL history.

Little known fact: Mark Sanchez wanted to go to Denver in 2014 after Jets cut him. Wanted to learn from Peyton. But Osweiler was on roster.

— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) March 12, 2016

The Broncos introduced the former USC quarterback Monday morning to the assembled media at Dove Valley. A point of fact, it was exactly ONE WEEK removed from Peyton Manning’s retirement where media and former players were required to submit reservations for the event in advance. Monday’s event, a week later, had a fraction of the turnout and no reservations were required. To be fair, one was the retirement of a living legend of the game and the other, an introduction of a player who, by most, is considered (at best) a solid backup. Sanchez was asked about playing for the Broncos following Manning’s tenure. “You don’t try and emulate them. You see what they do on the field and you’d love to do some of those things, especially all of the successful things he has done. You don’t try and be Peyton Manning.”

There's little comparison between Peyton Manning and Mark Sanchez beyond their recent stats. Chart = last 20 games. pic.twitter.com/iHuMaZJHPJ

— Mike Sando, ESPN.com (@SandoESPN) March 14, 2016

Mark Sanchez appeared very professional in both his suit and demeanor. It was striking how “geeked out” he was by this moment. “Come on. Let’s go. Let’s compete,” is what John Elway told Mark on the phone when they first talked. “Taking a call from him was pretty special. I’ve got the guy’s picture in my room growing up. Him, Brett Favre, Dan Marino, I was like, ‘Oh my God. This guy is on the phone. This is really happening.’ As soon as that wore off, you think about what an opportunity this is. I’m not going to let anything slow me down. Just work my butt off to make this team better and make whomever I’m competing against better. They’ll make me better and the team will benefit.”

It’s hard not to root for this guy, even if just as a backup for the Broncos. His experience with the high’s and low’s of the NFL have shaped him as a quarterback and a man. “I think you just get tested. Now you wait for your next opportunity and you’re hungry. I’ve just been hungry these last couple of years to really get into an established starting role, to have that established starting role routine and not wait for somebody to get hurt or for something to happen to go into the game. Like I said, everything I’ve got, I’m pouring into this thing.”

Sanchez opens thanking the Eagles and Broncos organization. Elway told him to get in & compete for starting job pic.twitter.com/eCf4z4wle5

— Ryan Edwards (@redwardsradio) March 14, 2016

As much frustration has been directed at John Elway during this free agency period, give him at least some credit for this: Mark Sanchez wants to be here. Elway’s edict, following Brock Osweiler’s exit from the team, is to “[build] a team with players who want to be Denver Broncos and want to be here.” Abilities aside, he’s willing to do what it takes to help this organization any way he can. “I think the culture that they’ve built here, the winning attitude and the fan base here, this is one of the best organizations in sports—not just football. When I got that phone call and Howie Roseman said, ‘I’m trading you to Denver,’ I was like, ‘Denver, Colorado? Are you kidding me? OK. Yeah, let’s do it.’ This is just an absolute dream come true.”

Talked to source close to Brock Osweiler family who said Brock was GONE from benching/switch to Peyton. #9news #9sports

— Mike Klis (@MikeKlis) March 14, 2016

Mark Sanchez, whether he had a choice in it or not, is all-in with the Broncos. The QB that John Elway was trying to sign early last week for north of $16 million per season was not all-in with the Broncos. Sanchez can compete for the starting QB position, but the Broncos will be looking for their starter far beyond this season and it’s likely not him. In the meantime, adding Mark allows them the flexibility to pursue another free agent QB or someone in the draft. There are many trials and challenges at Elway’s feet as Executive VP of Football Operations but the test to fill Peyton Manning’s shoes will likely define his team’s success for years to come.

Ryan Edwards

@ryanedwards1043

TOP PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports