The Cincinnati game on Sunday concluded with the New York Jets celebrating a hard-fought victory, but the day was marked by a profound sorrow following the death of longtime center Nick Mangold at 41, who had been battling kidney disease. Head coach Aaron Glenn took a moment during his postgame press conference to pay tribute to Mangold, acknowledging his immense impact on the team and its community.
Though Glenn did not play alongside Mangold during his prolific 11 years with the Jets, he was part of the organization in other capacities and recognized him as a cornerstone of the franchise. “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 the team,” Glenn recounted. The head coach expressed his condolences to Mangold’s family, noting the tragedy of losing someone who epitomized the spirit of the Jets. “Prayers go out to him and his family. It’s tough to hear because of who he was as a person, him being a true Jet.”
Mangold’s illustrious career includes accolades such as being a two-time All-Pro and his induction into the Jets’ Ring of Honor, which signifies the lasting legacy he leaves behind. As the team prepares to return home after their Week 9 bye, plans are likely underway for further tributes to honor Mangold’s life and contributions to the Jets and their fans. The organization and its community will undoubtedly rally together to celebrate his legacy, ensuring that his spirit remains a vital part of the team’s history.