Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce has issued a heartfelt tribute a late NFL legend. The news shocked the NFL world, and hit close to home for Kelce. Nick Mangold, the legendary long-time center for the New York Jets, unexpectedly passed away at age 41.
An emotional Jason Kelce reacts online to the passing of NFL legend Nick Mangold (Watch)
Former NFL player and ESPN commentator Jason KelceDenny Medley-Imagn Images
Former NFL player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce Denny Medley-Imagn Images
On his podcast with brother Travis Kelce, Jason described Mangold as “one of the best offensive linemen to ever play the game” and admitted, “I know in my heart that Nick Mangold at his best was ten times the player that I ever was.”
“A Travesty” — Kelce’s Words
Kelce didn’t mince words: he called Mangold’s death “a travesty,” particularly given how young he was and the family he left behind.
He reflected on Mangold’s dominance in both pass protection and the run game, noting: “He was unbelievable … an unbelievably smart leader … you don’t look any further than Nick Mangold” when evaluating the best centers of the past two decades.
Respect Between Linemen
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
The tone of Kelce’s comments speaks to the respect and admiration that exists among players in the trenches. He acknowledged that while he’s been called one of the best at his position, deep down he knows Mangold set the gold standard. The Times of India
That kind of humility highlights the weight of Mangold’s legacy in the NFL-lining world.
The Broader Impact
Mangold had made public his battle with chronic kidney disease just weeks before his passing. People.com
Kelce noted that the sudden loss is all the more wrenching because of Mangold’s fight and the life he still had ahead of him. It’s not just a loss in terms of football talent—but of a respected leader, father, husband, and teammate.
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