Countdown to Kickoff: New York Jets No. 74 Nick Mangold
We’re counting down the days until the NFL season kicks off, and with 74 days remaining, we’re looking at New York Jets center Nick Mangold.
Offensive lineman aren’t usually the “center” of attention for NFL fans, especially the big guys who snap the ball. However, when you have a great one, especially one with a fun and infectious personality, they can become a fan favorite. If you happen to take in a Jets home game at MetLife Stadium, you will surely cross many fans in No. 74 jerseys.
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Nick Mangold has become a legend for Jets fans. It was very concerning for Gang Green nation when they lost long time center Kevin Mawae in 2005. He was a stable force on the offensive line for eight seasons. Luckily for New York fans, they had two first round draft picks in the 2006 draft. With both picks they addressed the offensive line. The first back was for long time left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. The second pick was for future seven-time Pro Bowler Mangold, who has been even better than Mawae.
Ferguson and Mangold anchored the Jets offensive line for a decade. Ferguson retired this offseason, but Mangold is still a force to be reckoned with. Remarkably, he has started in every game since he was drafted except for four. This type of longevity and consistency is paramount for a team’s success in the trenches. Even in the latter stages of his career, Mangold has made the Pro Bowl each of the last three seasons.
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The Jets haven’t had to use much cap space on offensive guards in recent years. This is solely due to Mangold’s skill. It is very rare for an NFL team to not have to have a guard help out the center when facing the great nose tackles around the league. Perhaps my favorite battle to watch was the long time rivalry with Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork. Not many can nullify a monster like that, but Mangold could.
Beyond the field, Mangold is one of the most entertaining personalities in the league. Whether it is screaming at New York Rangers opponents, photo bombing his teammates, pepsi commercials, or getting his chest waxed on Jimmy Fallon, Mangold is always giving laughs. With the very tough New York media, he has always been accountable, engaging and level headed since he entered the league. That is not an easy feat in the Big Apple.
But don’t let his personality fool you, on the field he is as ruthless as they come. Michael Mitchell of the Pittsburgh Steelers learned this the hard way as you can see in the clip below.
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Some may expect the 34-year-old to start declining. I don’t think that will happen yet. Mangold has a good two or three seasons left at playing at a high level. The only thing left for him to do is get a championship ring.