Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season started on a highly somber note. Tragic news hit the airwaves before the first snap of Sunday’s slate had been played. That news came from the New York Jets, who delivered the fate of a genuine franchise legend in Nick Mangold.
The football world immediately turned mournful as one of its warmest individuals was lost too soon. Immediately, fellow players, legends, and even media members delivered their condolences all across social media.
NFL World Unites In Grief for Nick Mangold
A spectacular collegiate career at Ohio State paved the way for Mangold to be regarded as the best center prospect available in the 2006 NFL Draft. Unsurprisingly, the New York Jets took him 29th overall.
Proceeding to spend the entirety of his 11-year career with the organization, he became a genuine franchise legend thanks to his unmatched consistency. A seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, he was widely regarded as one of the best centers of the 2010s.
After his career ended in 2018 when he announced his retirement, he returned to Ohio State University and graduated with a degree in operations management in 2019. Three years later, he was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor during a halftime ceremony on September 25, 2022, in their game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Unfortunately, his health complications first came to light on October 14, 2025, when he announced that he had been dealing with chronic kidney disease for the better part of two decades. Even though he asked for a kidney donation on social media, it was too late for him.
Just 11 days later, on October 25, he passed away with kidney disease complications. Some of the most famous personalities associated with the game spoke up about their love for him, sending warm messages.
Ryan Clark was among the first to send out a simple message. “Rest Easy, brother! Condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones.” Pete Schrager, too, had a personal touch to his words as he wrote, “41-years-old. All-time guy. Always a smile. Heartbreaking loss.”
Rest Easy brother! Condolences and prayers to his family and loved ones. https://t.co/zXCWainJbJ
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) October 26, 2025
The NFL GameDay crew had a dedicated segment for it, where Rich Eisen, with his voice wavering, said, “Our condolences to his wife, Jennifer, and their four young children. Nick Mangold, taken from us way too early at the age of 41.”
Our hearts go out to the @nyjets and the Mangold Family during this heartbreaking time pic.twitter.com/LVPpkIotmL
— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) October 26, 2025
The news was a shocking blow to anyone involved with the league, but Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold from 2009 to 2014, was clearly emotional as he took his seat on NFL Sunday Countdown.
“It’s brutal. Such a great young man,” Ryan began as his voice threatened to break. “I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets.” On the verge of tears, he recounted a heartwarming moment between the two of them.
Rex Ryan mourns the loss of his former player Nick Mangold following his death from kidney disease. pic.twitter.com/xhpJJ0yue3
— ESPN (@espn) October 26, 2025
“I remember when I was fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured. And he comes to me and he says, ‘I’m going to play this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” As tears started pouring out of him, Ryan added, “That’s what I’ll remember about this kid. He was awesome. I feel so bad for his wife and family.”
Former Indianapolis Colts legend turned spectacular podcaster Pat McAfee, too, shared some words, writing, “Rest easy, Nick Mangold. My positive prayers & thoughts are with his family. Thru AJ, I’ve learned so much about him. The man, the dad, the husband, the teammate, the EVERYTHING great he was for everybody in his life.”
Prayers up for Nick Mangold’s family, friends and loved ones. Gone too soon at the age of 41 after complications from kidney disease. pic.twitter.com/FqFtLAdwyd
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 26, 2025
Finally, he tried to lighten the mood, adding, “The world lost a damn good man and obviously a legendary beard.”
Mike Garofolo of the NFL Network used a hilarious example to showcase the kind of man Mangold was. “Nick Mangold was a gem. Great player who never took himself too seriously. This post from shortly after he got released by the #Jets summed him up perfectly. He’ll be missed by many.”
— Chad Johnson (@ochocinco) October 26, 2025
14-year NFL veteran turned ESPN analyst Chase Daniel joined the crowd on social media, stating, “This is absolutely awful…can’t imagine what his family is going thru. Prayers to the Mangold family.”
One of the greatest defenders of all time and a pillar on the opposite line himself. J.J. Watt had a direct message for the superstar center, as he wrote. “This is just terrible. Rest in Peace Nick.”
Veteran NFL analyst Albert Breer, too, had a sombre outlook, as he added, “Awful. A great, genuine guy and phenomenal player. Best to Nick’s family.”
Collectively, the feeling across the football world was one of remorse, sadness, and empathy. With a family behind him, the blow to a relatively young man felt like a brutal shock to everyone involved.
