Former Jets center Nick Mangold, one of the best pivots of his generation, has passed away at the age of 41, the team announced. Just two weeks ago, Mangold said he was battling chronic kidney disease and was in need of a transplant (via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports).
A first-round pick of the Jets in 2006, Mangold spent his entire 11-year career with Gang Green. His tenure was marked not only by excellent play but by availability, as the Ohio State product suited up for at least 14 games every season from 2006-15. The ankle injury he sustained in 2016, which limited him to eight contests that year, ultimately put an end to his playing days.
Before that, however, he earned seven Pro Bowl nods and two First-Team All-Pro appearances. He was also a key cog in two of the most successful Jets outfits in franchise history, the 2009-10 iterations that journeyed to the AFC Championship Game with Mark Sanchez under center.
In all, Mangold’s career spanned 171 regular season and playoff games (all starts). While his time in the league came to an unceremonious end with a cost-cutting release in 2017, he had solidified his standing as a franchise icon long before that. He signed a one-day contract to retire as a Jet in 2018 and was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022.
In a statement passed along by ESPN’s Rich Cimini, owner Woody Johnson said, “Nick was more than a legendary center. He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”
We at PFR offer our condolences to Mangold’s family, friends, and the many coaches and teammates he played with and for during his standout career as a collegian and in the pros.
So young and a great player.
Rest In Peace
One of the great Jets. He will be missed đź’”
Devastating news for my franchise which is already very down in the dumps for on-field reasons that are minuscule compared to this. Rest in Peace Nick, you were one of the great ones.
Wow a great player gone way too early. RIP That’s tragic
Patriots fan but Mangold was always a warrior. Hard to believe he’s gone. Condolences to family
Hearing this less than an hour before kickoff in Cincinnati. I’m sure Nick’s death will be brought up some time on the CBS telecast.
And though it’s not well known now, Nick had a sister who played football. Holley Mangold was an offensive guard in high school and later became an Olympic weightlifter.
Terrible news. He was a great, dependable, and very likable player for a long time.
RIP Nick
Monster on the field
Rest peacefully Nick
Awful news. A true warrior and a truly great football player. R.I.P.
RIP. Awful news.
RIP Nick…..
OMG.Read article in Post & thought about seeing if I was donor as he was my ManGold since I’m a man & my last name is Gold. Happened so fast. Wish news he needed kidney was so much earlier. 🥲RIP. Can’t imagine how his family is dealing with it. Should’ve worn my Mangold jersey today to sports bar.