Nick Mangold: Forever a Jet

(Credit: New York Jets)

The football world has been mourning the loss of Nick Mangold; one of the most respected, memorable, and adored players in New York Jets history. At just 41, Mangold passed away from complications with kidney disease, less than two weeks after he publicly shared what he was going through as he looked for a transplant.

Nick Mangold's legacy is so much more than a man who passed way too soon, though. He spent his entire 11 year career with the Jets, quickly and effortlessly becoming a fan favorite. After he was drafted in 2006, the duo that became known "Nick & Brick" (D'Brickashaw Ferguson) was one of the league's most reliable lineman duos. Beyond their friendship and reliability on the field, they also helped the Jets to postseason runs in 2009 and 2010 (the team's last postseason appearances).

"Nick was more than a legendary center," Jets Chairman Woody Johnson said, "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." If you ask any Jets fan about Mangold, they'll all only have positive things to say - a rarity in a day and age where no one feels safe from that one Twitter uncle who thinks he knows better than everyone else.

(Credit: Nick Laham/Getty Images)

During his playing days, Mangold was characterized by his dedication and toughness, only missing four games in his first 10 seasons. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls, named first-team All-Pro twice, and was a key part of the development of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez during the teams' back-to-back AFC Championship appearances.

After retiring in 2017, Mangold stayed heavily involved in the football world: he began mentoring young athletes as an assistant coach at Delbarton High School in New Jersey. In 2024, Mangold said to the New York Post, "You get to mold boys into men and teach the game of football - but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along." It's clear that football was his passion, but love of the game and life outside the sport was also something he advocated for.

Nick Mangold at his Jets Ring of Honor induction ceremony (Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

When he was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022 Mangold celebrated by cracking open a beer on stage, perfectly capturing his easygoing, fun personality.

Mangold leaves behind his wife, their four kids, and a whole lot of fans who felt so deeply connected to the Jets legend.

Edited by Caitlyn Wagner