FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- Mark Sanchez laughed off comments Wednesday from Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who said Sanchez's photo spread in GQ magazine is "embarrassing" and "terrible."
"I think he was, obviously, making a joke out of it, and that's fine, giving me a good ribbing like the guys on our team," the New York Jets' quarterback said. "That's totally understandable, but I'm just happy that it ended up working out for a good cause and we got to partner with two great companies and one great charity."
Rodgers didn't sound like he was joking. During an interview with ESPN Milwaukee, the reigning Super Bowl MVP was handed a copy of the magazine.
"I mean, look at this here," Rodgers said. "That's embarrassing. Page 94 of the GQ thing here. That's terrible."
Rodgers went on to say that's "not really my style," and that he likes to maintain his privacy in the offseason.
Sanchez has been getting teased by teammates and coaches since the magazine hit the stands almost a month ago. Now it has spread outside the Jets' locker room. Victor Butler, a backup linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys, referred to him as "Sexy Sanchez" on an ESPN Dallas radio show.
"Oh yeah, good looking," Butler cracked. "How could you not want to sack a guy like that?"
The Cowboys open the 2011 season against the Jets on Sunday night.
"If the refs give me enough time, maybe I'll whisper a couple of sweet nothings in his ear," Butler said. "I have his GQ if he wants to sign it for me. I'd really like that. I really want him to sign the cover of this for me. It'd be nice."
Sanchez took Rodgers' shot in stride, noting that the clothing company that supplied his outfits for the shoot donated money to Tuesday's Children, a charity for children and families impacted by 9/11.
"It worked out for the better and I can take a little razzing for the way it ended up," Sanchez said. "I know he's just joking around, so that's totally fine."
Rich Cimini covers the Jets for ESPNNewYork.com.