Sanchez agrees to multi-year deal with the Jets

NEW YORK (Reuters) - The New York Jets have reached an agreement with quarterback Mark Sanchez on a multi-year contract, the team said on Wednesday.

Although no details were released by the Jets, NFL Network reported the deal to be worth $50 million over five years.

"This is a really special day for me and my family," Sanchez, the former University of Southern California quarterback, told reporters at the Jets' training camp.

"We're thrilled about the deal and I think the Jets are, too. So that's exactly what you want. Both of us on the same page and a great relationship and hopefully the first of many.

"Obviously, I'm thankful to the Jets and the organization here but this is just the beginning and that comes with a lot of responsibility, just like being the quarterback here.

"And I'll be working every day on and off the field to justify this contract."

Sanchez, 22, was the fifth overall pick in the April draft after helping USC post a 12-1 record including a Rose Bowl victory over Penn State that crowned his only season as the team's starter.

Against the advice of USC coach Pete Carroll, he chose to give up his final year of college eligibility to enter the draft.

"I'm really comfortable with the agreement," Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum said in a statement. "I think it's good for Mark and I think it's good for us as well."

(Writing by Mark Lamport-Stokes in Los Angeles; Editing by Greg Stutchbury)