Chad Pennington failed and even Brett Favre couldn’t save the godforsaken franchise.

Now that they have this young quarterback from USC, Mark Sanchez, looking forward to finally make his pro debut in the coming 2009 NFL football season, Jets fans have every reason to be hopeful.

But can this guy really save the New York Jets from obscurity? That is still yet to be determined. But as far as the Jets are concerned, they sure are paying a lot of money for this young stud to be the franchise’s savior.

A 22-year-old quarterback, still months away from his first NFL pass, Mark Sanchez already owns the distinction of being the highest-paid player in New York Jets history. The former USC Trojans quarterback hit the jackpot with a five-year contract that includes $28 million in guarantees, a team record.

The bare-bones amount of the deal is $44.5 million, although the true value, based on easily attainable incentives, is $50.5 million, according to sources.

The Jets made a bold move for Sanchez, trading up 12 spots and selecting him with the fifth pick in the April draft. Since then, Sanchez has impressed at times during organized team activities and minicamp practices, showing lots of poise, confidence and good decision-making skills.

Sanchez went 14-2 as a starter with the USC Trojans. His lack of experience (he only had one full season as a starter in USC) brought up some questions whether he was truly ready for the NFL.

But the Jets loved what they saw in him, to the point that they are willing to pay the guy that amount of money for an unproven quarterback.

Sanchez is already becoming a fan favorite in New York even before he gets to play a single game for the city, with several fans in the crowd at minicamp wearing his No.6 Jets jersey. He also has gotten lots of attention, befitting that of a budding star in New York, with a swimsuit spread in GQ magazine, throwing out the first pitch at a Mets game and tabloids wondering about his love life.

Yes, everybody’s going crazy over this guy already and they don’t even know if the guy can play in the NFL. Go figure.

Which team will win Super Bowl XLIV? SPORTSBETTING.COM has the odds.

Pittsburgh Steelers 10-1

Arizona Cardinals 25-1

New England Patriots 4-1

Dallas Cowboys 12-1

Want more odds? Visit SPORTSBETTING.COM for more NFL betting odds. Want to watch the NFL live? Get NFL tickets online now.

Mark Sanchez New York Jets