It’s a dark, heartbreaking day in Columbus. The Buckeye community woke up to the tragic news that true Buckeye great Nick Mangold has passed away. The former Ohio State All-American and Hall of Famer passed away at just 41 after complications from kidney disease. Mangold left behind a legacy that’s impossible to overstate. And it’s to say that a legend like Mangold deserves to have a goodbye from the very fields he once fired up.

Thus, OSU football left no stone unturned in paying honour to the legend. “The Ohio State football program is saddened by the news of Nick Mangold’s passing and sends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” OSU football posted on Instagram.

Even Mangold’s former head coach, Jim Tressel, issued a statement on his passing away. “Nick Mangold was everything you could wish for as a teammate, player, son, friend, husband, father, and American,” Tressel posted on X. “Loyal, hard-working, selfless, caring, and loving. Our hearts go out to the entire Mangold-Buckeye-Jet families. Love that man. We lost a great one.”

Before he became an NFL All-Pro, Nick Mangold was the steady heartbeat of Ohio State’s offensive line. By his sophomore year, he had stepped in for injured starter Alex Stepanovich and never looked back. He anchored the centre position with a steady force. Offensive line coach Jim Bollman once said most guys have to learn how to play center. But Mangold? He just naturally knew it. Mangold logged over 300 minutes of play each of his last three seasons, earning All-Big Ten recognition in both 2004 and 2005.

Coaches named him Offensive Lineman of the Week seven times during his junior year, including Offensive Player of the Week against Northwestern. Mangold made the All-Big Ten second team again in 2005 and wrapped up his college career with 33 starts in 45 games.

Just days before his death, Mangold had revealed publicly that he’d been on dialysis and searching for a kidney donor. His family was his staunch support during this period. He was a proud husband and father, deeply devoted to his wife, Jennifer Richmond. He even had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte, who he left behind.

Mangold and Jenny shared a love story that spanned back to high school, culminating in their marriage in 2007. His health problems began in 2006. It was around the time he was drafted as the first-round pick for the New York Jets. A few days before his death, Mangold shared a heartfelt message of hope even though his health was deteriorating. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” he said.

“While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon.” That message, filled with optimism and heart, now feels impossibly heavy.

Nick Mangold’s contribution to the pros

Nick Mangold’s OSU days were nothing short of spectacular. But his time with the pros was even legendary. He was drafted in the first round by the New York Jets in 2006. Mangold immediately stepped into the massive shoes of Jets stalwart Kevin Mawae and somehow made them fit perfectly. From day one, he was the glue of the offense. He started 164 of 176 games and barely missed a snap in his first ten seasons.

Mangold made seven Pro Bowls, earned two First-Team All-Pro nods, and helped steer the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010. He even procured a beautiful partnership with left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. The legendary “Nick & Brick” duo kept quarterbacks upright and the offense humming. Together, they contributed to deep playoff runs in 2009 and 2010 under Rex Ryan.

He even earned a spot in the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022. But perhaps his biggest accomplishment was the respect he commanded. That’s why Jets chairman Woody Johnson didn’t fall back in paying his respects. “The heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade,” Woody said. “Nick was more than just a renowned center. He was a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, his wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Rest in peace, Nick Mangold. You will be missed!