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The New York Jets found a way to honor the late Nick Mangold during the team’s first home game following the player’s tragic death. Jets tight end Jeremy Ruckert had a special tribute to the late center, wearing Mangold’s old Ohio State jersey to the game. (Ruckert, 25, and Mangold both played football at Ohio State before their time with the Jets.) The team posted a photo and video of Ruckert on social media. Along with Ruckert’s tribute, the team honored Mangold during its pregame festivities before hosting the Cleveland Browns at Metlife Stadium. The players wore special T-shirts with a print of Mangold’s face on the front and his No. 74 on the back, with the words, “A True Jet.” According to social media posts from the Jets, the team also had a Mangold flag in the stands, along with two extra banners at the stadium. One banner has a photo of Mangold, the other has his No. 74. The players will also be wearing special helmet decals to honor Mangold during the game. Mangold passed away at the age of 41 on Saturday, October 25, from complications of kidney disease. During the pregame broadcast, Jets Ring of Honor member D’Brickashaw Ferguson acknowledged Mangold’s death. (Ferguson was drafted with Mangold in 2006, and the two spent a decade anchoring the Jets offensive line together.) “It doesn’t even feel real,” Ferguson said. “When you have somebody who you’ve lived so much life with, you’ve been through the trenches. You just expect them to be there. Even when a few weeks ago we heard he needed a kidney, we’re like, ‘You know what it’s unfortunate but we’re going to figure that out.’ … But when you hear the news that it didn’t turn out that way, I think it made everybody stand still for a moment and really reflect that life isn’t promised and it’s sacred. He continued: “I’m sorry we have to do this in this way, but I’m also happy that we get to honor who he was … and the legacy that he leaves.” Just two weeks prior to his death, Mangold opened up about his diagnosis, sharing with fans that his health was dire as he was awaiting a kidney transplant. “This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health,” Mangold wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, October 14. “In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, 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.” Ferguson was one of many in the NFL community who attended Mangold’s funeral on Tuesday November 4. The emotional service was held at St. Vincent Martyr in Madison, N.J. with more than 400 people in attendance. Hall of Famer Alan Faneca delivered a eulogy at the funeral, along with Mangold’s former teammate, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Former Jets coach Rex Ryan, and former players Darrelle Revis, Chad Pennington, Damien Woody, Bart Scott, Jay Feely, Calvin Pace and Nick Folk were in attendance as well.
