The New York Jets legend, Nick Mangold, will always be remembered as one of the most decorated players of the team’s late 2000s era. A seven-time Pro Bowler, Mangold was one of the best centers in the league and used to be the heart of the Jets’ offense. Now, he is no more, and the NFL world has come together to remember him.

After the heartbreaking news of his passing, the Kansas City Chiefs player Creed Humphrey, who is also a center, took to social media to pay tribute to the legend. “Absolutely tragic, one of the best to ever play the position,” he wrote in response to an X post. “Thoughts and prayers are with his family. RIP to a legend!”

No doubt, Mangold has been a crucial piece of the Jets ever since being drafted by the team in the 2006 NFL Draft. Hence, Jets Vice Chairman also took a moment to recall the former NFLer in his prayers.

“Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership,” Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson said. “For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His contributions on the field were extraordinary — but it was his character, humility, and humor off the field that made him unforgettable.”

The Jets announced that Mangold passed away Saturday night, October 25, due to complications from kidney disease. Just days earlier, Mangold had revealed he was battling the condition and needed a transplant. With no relatives able to donate, he turned to the public, asking for a type O donor. Mangold had been living with a genetic defect since 2006 that caused chronic kidney disease, and while waiting for a transplant, he was undergoing dialysis.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease,” Mangold wrote in the message that was addressed to “My NY Jets community.” “I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time.”

After a long battle, he passed away at the age of 41 on October 25. Not just Humphrey, the entire NFL community mourned the death of the legend.

Who was Nick Mangold? Aaron Glenn and others paid tribute

Nick Mangold started and played every single game through 2011. But unfortunately, injuries caught up with him in the 2016 season. In 2018, he signed a one-day contract with the Jets so he could officially retire as part of the team he loved.

In 2022, the team honored the player by inducting him into the New York Jets “Ring of Honor.” This year, he was also among the 52 Modern-Era players who cleared the second hurdle toward becoming a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.

“Rest in peace to my brother & teammate Nick Mangold,” tweeted former running back Thomas Jones, who played three years with Mangold. Besides him, the Jets owner, Woody Johnson, shared his words for the legend. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” he said in a statement.

“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.”

The Jets recently secured their first win of the season. They secured a 39-38 win against the Cincinnati Bengals. No doubt, Mangold must have been relieved to see the team’s win after a long struggle. Nevertheless, the Jets head coach, Aaron Glenn, came up to show his tribute to the 7x Pro Bowler.

“A true Jet through and through,” Glenn said in his postgame press conference. “I hate that I have to start with this because this means more to me than anything – Nick Mangold passing away. Obviously, I didn’t play with him but I was here as a scout when he was playing and he was the heart and soul of this team.”

In fact, NFL analyst Mark Sanchez, who has been away from social media for a while, also came back to pay his tribute to the legend. “We lost a good man today,” Sanchez wrote on X.  “I know Nick Mangold will be a Hall-of-Famer, but there’s more to his story than his accomplishments on the gridiron. He was more than a teammate. He was my big brother who introduced me to the NFL.”

Former coach Rex Ryan also joined in. “I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets (from 2009-14),” he said. “I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured — like, injured — and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Even after all these years, teammates, coaches, and those who knew him came together to pay tribute to the veteran. His leadership and achievements will live on forever in Jets history and in the hearts of all who knew him.