Ex-USC quarterback Mark Sanchez set to face Pete Carroll, Seahawks

Then-USC coach Pete Carroll, left, shakes hands with quarterback Mark Sanchez, who was announcing his decision to turn pro back in January 2008.

Staff Writer

Dec. 3, 2014 2:02 PM PT

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez is preparing for Sunday’s game against the Seattle Seahawks — and former USC coach Pete Carroll

Carroll, of course, famously disagreed with Sanchez’s decision to make himself available for the NFL draft after his one season as the Trojans’ starter in 2008.

Sanchez was selected fifth overall by the New York Jets in the 2009 NFL draft and played in two AFC Conference title games before his Jets career went awry. Sanchez signed as a free agent with the Eagles and has revitalized his career since Nick Foles suffered an injury.

In a story by Les Bowen of the Philadelphia News, Sanchez told reporters that Carroll was “great.”

“He texted me during preseason -- ‘you’re doing awesome, so happy to see you back, having fun,’ Sanchez said. “That means the world to me, because that’s somebody I really respect. I had so much fun playing for him. It’ll be good to see him again.... He’s a really good coach and a good friend.”

Sanchez played against Carroll and the Seahawks once before. In 2012, the Seahawks defeated the Jets, 28-7, at CenturyLink Field.

Sanchez completed nine of 22 passes for 124 yards, with an interception.

Sunday’s game is at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia.