On October 30, 2025, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce honored the late Nick Mangold on the New Heights podcast. He described Mangold as an incredible player who, at his best, far surpassed anyone he had ever played alongside, calling him a ten times better player than he was.
Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; ESPN broadcaster Jason Kelce before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; ESPN broadcaster Jason Kelce before the game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Morgan Tencza-Imagn Images
Kelce’s praise was a reaction to the news of Mangold’s death at age 41 from complications of kidney disease.
Kelce explained that many people would tell him he was the best center ever to play, but he knew in his heart it was untrue.
“A lot of people come up and tell me, like, ‘You’re the best center to ever play.’ Like, I get that from other people. And it’s hard to receive that because I know in my heart that Nick Mangold at his best was 10 times the player that I ever was. Like, I could never be that dominant at the center position. Nick was phenomenal,” he said.
“Nick Mangold at his best was ten times the player than I ever was”
Rest in peace to a legend of the game 💚 pic.twitter.com/j2NZE0y4fX
— New Heights (@newheightshow) October 29, 2025
Kelce praised Mangold’s skill and leadership, calling him among the smartest and toughest players ever. He said Mangold dominated in pass protection and set the tone for everyone around him.
Losing someone like Mangold at such a young age is deeply heartbreaking. Jason Kelce spoke highly of Mangold, calling him among the best offensive linemen of the past twenty years and emphasizing that he was also a devoted family man.
Kelce retired in March 2024 after a remarkable 13‑year career with the Philadelphia Eagles. During that time, he earned seven Pro Bowl selections and six First‑Team All‑Pro honors.
He played in 193 regular‑season games and set a franchise record with 156 consecutive starts.
New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 After Battle with Kidney Disease
Nick Mangold died at 41 after battling chronic kidney disease. Earlier this month, he revealed he was on dialysis and urgently looking for a kidney donor.
Drafted 29th overall in 2006 out of Ohio State, Mangold spent his entire 11-year career anchoring the Jets’ offensive line. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors.
Sep 25, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Retired New York Jets center Nick Mangold with his daughter before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Sep 25, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Retired New York Jets center Nick Mangold with his daughter before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Known for his toughness and leadership, Mangold became a team cornerstone and was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.
Remembered as a fan favorite and model teammate, he leaves behind his wife Jenny and four children. The football community mourns the loss of a player whose influence reached far beyond the field.