New York Jets legend, and team Hall of Famer, Nick Mangold, who starred as the center of the Jets AFC Championship game runs in 2009 and 2010 passed away Sunday morning after a battle with Kidney disease. Mangold was only 41 years old.
Born and raised in Ohio, Mangold played collegiality at Ohio State, before getting drafted by the Jets in 2006. He was one of two cornerstone offensive lineman drafted by the Jets that season, along with D'Bricksaw Ferguson.
Together, Mangold and Ferguson formed one of the best offensive lines in Jets history, clearing the way for guys like Thomas Jones and LaDainian Tomlinson. Mangold was a member of the 2009 and 2010 Jets team that went all the way to the AFC Championship game.
Mangold played 11-years in the NFL, all with the Jets.
His former teammates and coaches who have found second careers in sports media all poured in emotional tributes to the fallen Jets icon.
Ex-Jet Head Coach Rex Ryan was beside himself with emotion as he cried on set at ESPN's NFL Countdown.
Said Jets owner Woody Johnson of the passing in a press release issued by the Jets on Sunday:
"Nick was more than a legendary center," said Jets Chairman Woody Johnson. "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."

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