Former Jets QB Mark Sanchez warns Zach Wilson that New York is a 'difficult market'

Zach Wilson is expected to be selected when the Jets are on the clock with the second overall pick. Because of that, the BYU product is making sure he's prepared to play in New York.

Wilson has spoken with a few former Jets quarterbacks, including Mark Sanchez, who said on the "Pat McAfee Show" that he told the young signal-caller to be ready to play in a "difficult market." Sanchez said, as transcribed by SNY's Corey Hersch:

"My thing to Zach was, when you get into this market, most importantly, it's not about 'Do GQ or don't do GQ' your rookie season. Understand who you are and what you want to portray yourself to be and understand what comes with all these decisions you're going to make in the media space. Because it's an unforgiving media. It's a difficult market."

Playing in a large market like New York is a dream come true for many athletes. However, it also makes the player more subject to criticism, and Sanchez experienced that firsthand during his time with the Jets from 2009-13. 

Sanchez was heavily criticized in New York after being selected fifth overall by the Jets in 2009. Sam Darnold experienced similar criticism after the Jets took him third overall in 2018. 

The Jets haven't made the playoffs since 2010, and if the franchise selects Wilson, he'll have some pretty high expectations. The 21-year-old was a star at BYU, but there's no telling how he'll do in the NFL. 

If he listens to Sanchez's advice, hopefully he'll be able to block out the noise and find success.