Mark Sanchez has barely uttered a peep since he was stabbed in Indianapolis, leaving him fighting for his life and facing serious criminal charges … until Friday, when the retired QB wrote a heartfelt tribute to his family.

The former first-round draft pick turned NFL broadcaster took to Instagram, where he posted two photos of his wife, Perry, and their two adorable little twin daughters, alongside a message of gratitude for those who have had his back.

“This time of year always makes me look around and appreciate what matters, but this one hits different,” 39-year-old Sanchez wrote. “I’m just grateful—to wake up, to be home, and to be able to wrap my arms around my wife and kids.”

Sanchez, who has since been fired from his FOX Sports broadcasting gig, continued … “Thank you to the people who kept me standing and gave my family opportunities to share moments like these. From our family to yours, we wish you a happy and peaceful holiday season.”

Of course, it’s not the way Mark expected, or wanted, to spend the holiday season … but his life was turned upside down on October 4, when he was involved in a physical altercation with Perry Tole, a 69-year-old truck driver, who was making a delivery.

Tole told cops Sanchez became really aggressive with him, and ultimately attacked, causing the driver to fear for his life and respond using a weapon in self-defense.

Sanchez, who was alone, was stabbed and was left fighting for his life in a local hospital.

After only a few hours of investigating — which included reviewing surveillance video — the former USC signal caller was arrested in his hospital bed.

Once he was discharged more than a week later, Sanchez headed straight to the local jail, where he posed for a mugshot. On the way out, Mark broke his silence, making a brief and somber statement, thanking first responders, nurses, and doctors for treating him.

In addition to the multiple criminal charges, including a felony count, Sanchez is also being sued by Tole.

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Smokey Robinson won a legal battle in his legal war against his sexual assault accusers … a judge granted the singer’s request for the anonymous accusers to turn over their cell phones.

In court docs, obtained by TMZ, Smokey said he was concerned his Jane Doe accusers were allegedly deleting data from their phones. He said they had been served discovery requests for cell phone records and claimed they had been evading his requests.

Smokey asked the judge Wednesday to get the accusers to turn over the phones and on Friday the judge ordered the phones to be handed over within 10 days.

As you know … Smokey is being sued for sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment and gender violence by four Jane Does who claiming they used to work as housekeepers for the music star and his wife, Frances Gladney Robinson.