Brady Quinn had no idea what kind of weekend he was walking into. Just five minutes before Fox's "Big Noon Kickoff" went on the air in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Quinn found out he'd be replacing Mark Sanchez on the call for Sunday's Colts-Raiders game. Sanchez had been stabbed, hospitalized, and arrested in Indianapolis after an alleged violent altercation with a 69-year-old truck driver.
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Quinn flew home to Columbus, Ohio, to cram for the broadcast. He hit the road again at 6 a.m. Sunday in his van, using the Jeevz driving service so he could prep on the way.
"It's been a whirlwind to say the least — not much sleep and mixed emotions," Quinn told Sports Illustrated. "Obviously concerned for Mark's health and the well-being of all those involved, but at the same time excited for the opportunity to call a game. However, it's not ideal. I pride myself on preparation, and there's not enough time to prepare in the manner I am accustomed to. I'm very appreciative of all the folks behind the scenes at Fox and coaches on both teams who went out of their way to help."
Quinn spoke with Colts head coach Shane Steichen and assistants from both teams, then worked the game alongside Chris Myers with no sideline reporter. "So it was just Chris and me talking ball for three hours, which I love," Quinn said.
Sanchez was initially charged with misdemeanors, but on Monday prosecutors announced he now faces a Level 5 felony battery charge involving serious injury.
Fox has not yet announced who will fill Sanchez's role going forward, but Quinn handled his last-minute assignment under highly unusual circumstances.
