Hayden Panettiere and Mark Sanchez 'not dating,' up to something else

After actress Hayden Panettiere and New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez were spotted enjoying a Memorial Day burger together in California, romantic speculation for the unlikely duo ensued. But Sanchez is putting the breaks on that talk.

The 24-year-old was caught on camera by TMZ upon returning to New York, and when asked if they were an item, Sanchez answered flatly.

"No I'm not dating Hayden, I promise," he says. "I do know her. She's a really nice girl, a sweetheart."

Sanchez then began to explain why they were seen eating together, before stopping short with a cryptic, "You guys will figure it out soon enough."

Resume speculation mode.