Mark Sanchez has leveled his share of opponents while quarterbacking the New York Jets to two consecutive AFC Championship Games, but it was outspoken coach Rex Ryan who nearly received a knockout punch last season.
In a recent interview with GQ, Sanchez discussed the frustration he felt in December when Ryan hinted at benching him during a rocky stretch.
Following frustrating losses to the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, in which Sanchez's play suffered, Ryan called for backup Mark Brunell to work with the starting unit in practice. Sanchez was irate with Ryan over the suggestion that his starting role was in danger.
"I wanted to fight him," Sanchez said. "I was really mad."
Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer had to placate Sanchez, who insisted Ryan face him in person.
"I was like, 'He can come tell me,'Â " Sanchez said. "And (Schottenheimer) is like, 'Come on, man, don't do that.'Â "
Granted, Ryan has been one of Sanchez's biggest supporters, but the 24-year-old wouldn't mind a tad more reserve from the outspoken coach.
"Rex is super honest," Sanchez told the magazine. "I wish he wasn't that honest at times."
In the GQ article, Sanchez also discusses how "embarrassed" he was after last season's 45-3 loss to the Patriots in Week 13, the challenges of dating and his appreciation for Justin Bieber and the TV show "Glee." Sanchez, who enjoys Broadway performances, also sees a comparison between being on stage and playing on the football field.
"Their life is so regimented, like mine," he said. "They have eight shows a week. They have to take care of their bodies, stretch, eat right, take care of their voices. You know, their voice is like my arm."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
