"This is a really special day for me and my family," Sanchez told a small gathering of reporters this evening after the Jets announced today that they reached agreement with the quarterback from Southern Cal on a contract. "We're thrilled about the deal and I think the Jets are, too. So that's exactly what you want. Both of us on the same page and a great relationship and hopefully the first of many."
"Obviously, I'm thankful to the Jets and the organization here," he said, "but this is just the beginning and that comes with a lot of responsibility, just like being the quarterback here. And I'll be working every day on and off the field to justify this contract.
"For me it's only the tip of the iceberg," he said. "There's so much more I want to accomplish, and this isn't 'assume you're going to be successful.' It's going to take a lot of hard work. I'm fortunate enough to be on a great team, but signing this deal doesn't mean Bart Scott isn't coming after me tomorrow. He's going to be there talking just like Big Jenk and all those guys. Nothing changes on the football front. I've got to keep my same mindset and stay focused."
One of the things that has impressed me most about Sanchez is he seems to have a good head on his shoulders. He seems like the kind of guy who takes the responsibility of leading a team seriously. Getting a deal done this early shows that. For better or worse, he is the franchise now and had all the leverage. He could have waited until the last minute before camp opened trying to squeeze the team for a little extra. It says something about him that he would get things done this soon so he can focus on getting to work.