The football community collectively mourned the sudden passing of former Jets center Nick Mangold on Sunday, with Mangold’s family and friends receiving an outpouring of support from his former teammates, peers and friends on social media.
The beloved Jets lineman died Saturday night from complications of kidney disease — just two weeks after revealing he was in need of a transplant.
Mangold was 41 years old.
“I was fortunate to have the opportunity to lace them up with you every Sunday,” NFL Hall of Famer and former Jet Darrelle Revis wrote on X. “I will miss you and forever cherish our moments in the locker room. Love you buddy. Rest in Paradise, Nick.”
“No way, I can’t believe this. Life is too short,” posted former teammate Leger Douzabele — who played with Mangold on the Jets from 2013-2015 — shortly before Sunday’s public announcement. “Tell people who you love how you feel about them. While they’re still here.”
Mangold was a seven-time Pro-Bowler during his 11-year career with New York from 2006-2016.
A tremendous teammate and fierce competitor, Mangold garnered respect and admiration from around the league.
“When I got the nod from Rex Ryan to come to New York and play, I didn’t just want to play with the Jets — I wanted to play with Nick Mangold,” Willie Colon, who played with the Jets from 2013-2015, said on the team’s pregame show Sunday afternoon.
“The rivalry brought us to each other the way you prepared and played the game made you my brother on the grid iron,” wrote Braylon Edwards, a former Cleveland Brown who had two stints with the Jets (2009-10 and 2012). “Praying for your family and loved ones…I’ll be sure to have a Mcallan 12 years aged today in honor of the latest we played together.”
Embattled former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez also paid tribute to Mangold on X.
“We lost a good man today. I know @nickmangold will be a hall-of-famer, but there’s more to his story than his accomplishments on the gridiron. He was more than a teammate. He was my big brother who introduced me to the NFL. He showed me the ropes. He was my friend and confidant. He was a role model and a great father to his children and husband to his wife. Our hearts are heavy. We will miss you. Rest easy amigo. I love you big fella. #74,” he wrote.
Longtime Patriots receiver Julian Edelman added that “Nick was a force on the field and a genuinely nice guy off of it. He will be missed.”
Bartsool Sports founder and Patriots superfan Dave Portnoy also recognized Mangold in a heartfelt post.
“So sad. By all accounts just a great guy. Insane how quickly this happened. Cruel reminder not to take a day for granted on this earth. RIP Nick,” he posted on X.
Said former Texans great JJ Watt, “This is just terrible. Rest in Peace Nick.”
Elsewhere on X, seven-year NFL vet Bobby Carpenter reflected on his college days playing with Mangold at Ohio State University.
“I thought we had more time… but I’m grateful for the 23 years I knew you,” he wrote.
“Nick Mangold… greet player, great teammate… But the best dude you could imagine. You left a giant hole in the world.”
Mangold’s former Jets coach, Rex Ryan, broke down in tears Sunday on ESPN upon learning the news of his death.
Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four children.
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