On Sunday morning, the New York Jets announced the passing of their former offensive lineman and Ring of Honor member, Nick Mangold, after a long battle with chronic kidney disease. The 11-year starter for the franchise was 41 years old.
Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer arrived to New York to be the offensive coordinator for the Jets in 2006, and in the first round of his first draft with the franchise, the team took Mangold with the 29th pick. The two would go on to spend six seasons together with the Jets before Schottenheimer was fired after the 2011 season.
In Monday’s press conference, Schottenheimer spoke about the news of Mangold’s passing.
“I remember getting Nick out of Ohio State, and he just came in right away,” Schottenheimer said. “The way he loved football, man. He was an Ohio guy that loved football. I just remember his personality was one that was so infectious. The players loved him, and he was great with all the quarterbacks, whether it was Brett Favre or Mark Sanchez as a rookie.”
Mangold started in 164 games for the Jets over 11 seasons and earned seven Pro Bowl nods along with two AP first-team All-Pro honors. He retired in 2017 and was put into the team’s Ring of Honor in Sept. 2022.
“It was fun for me to watch him be a dad, so obviously very sad,” Schottenheimer said. “My heart goes out to his family and really the whole Jets community. He was an incredible football player and a better man. I remember his laugh. He had a big booming laugh. Very sad, 41 years old.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson released a statement on Sunday about the passing of Mangold.
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” 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. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”