If you follow the New York Jets closely, the Mark Sanchez story is somewhat sad.
Sanchez was supposed to be the face of the Jets, a quarterback who would parlay great team success in his first two seasons into a long run as the leader of the offense.
In just two years, Sanchez went from franchise cornerstone to odd man out. He was asked Friday if he wanted to remain with the Jets after this season.
"I really haven't even thought about it," Sanchez told the New York Daily News, making a statement that can't possibly be truthful. "I'm a Jet, that's all I've known."
When healthy, Sanchez started every game of his four-year NFL career. That will change Sunday, when Greg McElroy takes over the gig, at least on a temporary basis.
Jets coach Rex Ryan has yet to announce if Sanchez or Tim Tebow will be the No. 2 quarterback against the San Diego Chargers. Sanchez showed up on the Jets' injury report this week as probable with a back issue.
"Again, I'm not going to make that announcement now because quite honestly it's going to be a coach's decision," Ryan said. "And I'll go ahead and make that decision later. I've said there's a possibility all three guys will be up. There's a possibility two will be up."
This is the world Sanchez now exists in. Yesterday's shining son is today's old news.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.