The Philadelphia Eagles joined the rest of the NFL world in mourning the untimely loss of one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history, as former New York Jets All-Pro center Nick Mangold passed away at just 41 years old due to complications from kidney disease.
While the entire league was caught off guard by Mangold's untimely passing, those who played the center position seemingly took it harder than most. Former Eagles legend Jason Kelce knows as well as anyone how impressive Mangold's football legacy truly is, and he tried to tell his podcast audience what an utterly unique talent No. 74 was during his prime.
In the latest episode of the "New Heights" podcast, Kelce took the time to offer a heartfelt eulogy for one of the greatest to ever do it at the center position, even saying that Mangold, at his best, was "ten times better than I ever was."
Kelce singled out Mangold's underrated pass protection ability, his penchant for dominating as a run blocker, and his leadership abilities being the catalyst for getting everyone on the offense on the same page. If that testimoial doesn't tell the Mangold story, nothing will.
Eagles legend Jason Kelce honors Nick Mangold after sudden passing at 41
While the hallowed halls of Canton aren't exactly lined with tons of great centers, it seems as though both Kelce and Mangold could eventually be headed for induction. While Kelce will waltz into the Hall of Fame, Mangold might need some strong testimonials to eventually break through.
Mangold was a Pro Bowler seven times and an All-Pro three times with the Jets. On Jets teams that routinely pushed out poor quarterback play, Mangold became the game's best run-blocking center for the better part of a decade. In his first 10 seasons, Mangold missed just four games.
Kelce has always been willing and able to use his platform to sing the praises of other elite offensive linemen. One could very well make the case that Kelce took Mangold's title of best NFL center at the end of his career, which clearly meant something to a young player looking to prove himself.
Read more:Brandon Graham admitted to not realizing how good $2.5 million Eagle truly was
Mangold's resume warrants consideration for induction into Canton, and Kelce has seemingly taken it upon himself to show the rest of the football landscape just how good he was during his prime. If anyone knows what elite center play looks like, it's Kelce.