National Football League

Rex Ryan names Mark Sanchez a Jets team captain

Published Jul. 27, 2011 11:48 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Sanchize has a new nickname: Captain Mark.

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez will wear the captain's ''C'' on his jersey this season, coach Rex Ryan says Wednesday, because ''he truly is our captain.''

''I see the way the guys are around him,'' Ryan said. ''This is really going to be his team. I'm not big on giving out those captain things, but we will put the `C' on his jersey this year.''

Ryan has traditionally alternated captains each week before games in his first two seasons, but said he'll have one each on offense, defense and special teams. On offense, ''clearly it is Mark Sanchez and it is his team.''

''I really never knew the roster the way I know it now,'' Ryan said, ''now being our third year here. And I'm really comfortable doing this now.''

Sanchez, entering his third season, has quickly earned the respect of his teammates with his work ethic and leadership abilities. He has helped lead the Jets to the AFC championship game in consecutive years and said Tuesday he'd be willing to restructure his contract if it helped the team land marquee free agents.

''Am I trying to drive up the jersey sales for Sanchez? Maybe that's true,'' Ryan quipped. ''But it is something I take seriously. I think he's earned that and I'm excited to see this young man grow.''