Mark Sanchez: The New York Jets' Model Quarterback—Before GQ's Help

A picture is supposed to tell a thousand words.

So when Mark Sanchez's glamour shots from GQ were released, most people in the media decided to recreate the story of the New York Jets' first overall draft pick.

All of the post-draft chatter has obviously died down.

The fact that he's the son of a hard-working, blue-collar firefighter was no longer relevant. The football acumen he displayed that made him worthy of his draft selection became an afterthought.

In the eyes of the short-sighted, Mark Sanchez has become a Hollywood quarterback, more infatuated with individual fame than leading the Jets to a championship.

The media coverage can only be defined as excessive since the release of the photos. It's been impossible to find a media personality willing to ignore their opportunity to pass judgment on Sanchez.

It's irresponsible.

In the days leading up to rookie minicamps, the steps Sanchez took to establish himself in a new role were ignored. His effortless display of leadership disregarded.

With a training camp battle against four-year veteran Kellen Clemens looming, it was Sanchez who reached out to his teammates in an attempt to develop a rapport with the new offense.

Less than a month ago, Sanchez sent messages to his new receivers, hoping to connect with them away from the Jets' facilities to practice routes and understand the playbook.

He did this without prompting, reported Eric Allen for newyorkjets.com.

And it's something Clemens has never done in all his years with the Jets.

“I liked that being a rookie, he’s trying to get all the guys to come out and throw," said second-year tight end Dustin Keller. "That says a lot about him and his leadership."

It speaks volumes, Dustin. Those actions spoke louder than any words his GQ pictures told.

"We were out there for like 45 minutes to an hour, but he was throwing a really good ball," added Keller. "He puts it right where it needs to be every time and he’s a real cool guy, a real likable guy."

Unfortunately for Sanchez, none of that received the same attention as his airbrushed images.

Instead, Gary Myers of the New York Daily News advised the Jets to seek out Derek Jeter to "conduct a seminar" warning against the "temptation" of putting sports second.

Sanchez must go through the motions this summer before being named the Jets' opening day starter. But until that decision is formally announced, he deserves the benefit of the doubt before being crucified.

The fact that there's such fascination with Sanchez's presumed celebrity only highlights the hypocrisy in the media coverage surrounding the Jets' new quarterback.

He may have provided everyone with a very easy target, but now it's up to the media to be responsible for their accuracy.