The NFL world is reeling after the sudden death of former New York Jets offensive lineman Nick Mangold. Mangold died on Saturday evening at the age of 41, suffering from complications related to kidney disease.
The former offensive lineman recently announced that he was in need of a kidney transplant, and news of his passing shocked the sports community over the weekend. One of Mangold’s good friends and former teammates posted a heartfelt tribute, adding to the kind words from other teammates and opponents following his passing.
“We lost a good man today,” said former New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez on social media.
Sanchez Reacts To Mangold’s Sudden Death
“I know[Nick Mangold] will be a hall-of-famer, but there’s more to his story than his accomplishments on the gridiron. He was more than a teammate. He was my big brother who introduced me to the NFL. He showed me the ropes. He was my friend and confidant. He was a role model and a great father to his children and husband to his wife.”
We lost a good man today. I know @nickmangold will be a hall-of-famer, but there’s more to his story than his accomplishments on the gridiron. He was more than a teammate. He was my big brother who introduced me to the NFL. He showed me the ropes. He was my friend and confidant.… pic.twitter.com/45FlFnTTzG
— Mark Sanchez (@Mark_Sanchez) October 26, 2025
Sanchez and Mangold played together for multiple years, aligning with the best Jets teams in recent memory. The quarterback and center helped lead the team to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances, coming within one game of the Super Bowl in two consecutive years.
Mangold spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Jets, making three All-Pro teams and seven Pro Bowls. He was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor at Metlife Stadium, capping an excellent professional career. Mangold also won a national championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2002, and was an All-American in college football for his senior season.
Sanchez’s reaction to Mangold’s death is his first public statement on social media since his involvement in a violent altercation in Indianapolis. The former quarterback was stabbed and hospitalized after allegedly fighting with a grease truck driver in an alley.
After surveillance video of the altercation and aftermath were revealed, Sanchez has been charged with a felony count of battery and other misdemeanors.
Jets Honor Mangold With Emotional Victory
“I’ve known Mark since 2009, that’s 16 years, and he doesn’t have an aggressive bone in his body,” Mangold told the New York Post a few weeks ago, interviewed around the time of the altercation.
“For something of this to happen, something obviously wasn’t right that night, and I hope they get to the bottom of it. It’s completely out of character. The Mark I know wouldn’t do this. They obviously have video footage of him doing it, but it seems so out of character.”
Hours after Mangold’s death, the Jets were able to capture their emotional first win of the NFL season, defeating the Cincinnati Bengals 39-38.
Rest in peace to Nick Mangold, and we send condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this time.
