There has been a lot of New York Jets content here lately. But I couldn’t let this moment pass without reflection. It holds personal significance, and it never hurts to remember a truly great person. For those who may not know, Nick Mangold, who played exclusively for the Jets during his 11-year NFL career, passed away suddenly a little over a week ago at age 41.

To me, Nick epitomized why sports are so great, and why they can really mean something in their purest form. It’s easy to forget that in today’s world of overpaid athletes changing teams frequently, soaring ticket prices, and even private equity investing in youth sports.

At their best, sports represent a microcosm of life. Teamwork, discipline, persistence, and grit prevail. Individuals and teams can rise to become greater than the sum of their parts. And kids begin to understand that by setting a goal and working hard, they can achieve it, even when it’s difficult.

That’s why I love having my kids involved in sports. Not because I think they’ll become pros, but because of the lessons sports teach when done right. The same lessons I learned from them.

Remembering Nick Mangold

Nick grew up in Ohio and played football at Ohio State, where he was a three-year starter at center. In 2006, the Jets drafted him in the first round. Interestingly, they also drafted another offensive lineman, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, in the same round that year. D’Brickashaw, now retired, recently graduated from nursing school, following in his family’s footsteps.

The Jets have always been a franchise struggling to gain traction. In my lifetime, there have really been only two periods of notable success. In 1998, they made the AFC Championship Game, but that success faded quickly. Then, in 2009 and 2010, they returned to the AFC Championship in back-to-back years. For a brief time, they were one of the better teams in the league. (And if you’re wondering, they haven’t made the playoffs since 2010.)

Their identity during that run was defense and running the football. And a huge reason for their success on the ground was their offensive line, anchored by Nick Mangold.

More Than a Player

More than his talent, Nick embraced being a Jet. That’s something you can’t say about many players, especially those on struggling teams. He spent all 11 years of his career with the Jets, through the good and the bad. I can’t remember him ever complaining about anything. He just went out there, played hard, and gave his best.

Former Jets coach Rex Ryan once told a story about Nick playing through a significant injury in what turned out to be Ryan’s final game as coach. The game meant nothing in the standings (the Jets were already eliminated from playoff contention) but Nick played every snap anyway. Because the way you show up matters, even when things aren’t going your way.

Nick retired in 2018 and was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022.

An Unexpected Turn

Just about a month ago, Nick posted a message through the Jets and Ohio State sharing that he was suffering from chronic kidney disease due to a congenital cause and was in need of a donor kidney.

I remember being in the car when Selenid asked if I would donate one if I were a match. Without hesitation, I said yes and meant it. That’s how much he meant to me as a fan of similar age and (I like to think) similar grit.

I never expected that within weeks I’d see the announcement of his passing. He was survived by his wife and children, gone far too soon. He had recently learned he was a finalist for the Hall of Fame, and I truly hope he receives the recognition he deserves.

The Sunday After

The announcement came on a Sunday morning. Once again, the Jets were struggling, entering the day with an 0-7 record. But perhaps inspired by remembering exactly who Nick Mangold was, and what sports can be at their best, the Jets put together their strongest performance of the year and beat the Cincinnati Bengals.

For Nick.