Archbishop Alter alum Nick Mangold joins Jets Ring of Honor
KETTERING, Ohio (BVM) – It’s been six years since Nick Mangold took the field at MetLife Stadium for the final time. On Sept. 25, when the New York Jets matched up against the Cincinnati Bengals, the former All-Pro center returned back to take center stage once again.
After 11 seasons with the Jets, Mangold was joined by a host of former teammates who were there to watch the long-time center, along with Darrelle Revis and D’Brickashaw Ferguson, receive their presentation into the team’s Ring of Fame during halftime. Along with a plethora of former Jets players present, Mangold was ready to share the moment with his family and friends who made the trip.
“For the game alone, we are somewhere in the 120 [people] range, just personal invites,” Mangold told the Jets official site. “Many people have reached out and said they were coming in for the game, so it’s really humbling when you have that many people who will take time out of their schedule, it’s a Sunday.”
The seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro grew up in Centerville and attended nearby Archbishop Alter High School. During his time at the prep level, Mangold featured as a three-sport athlete, spending his time outside of football season in both track and field and wrestling. On the football field Mangold shined, enjoying an appearance in the 2002 U.S. Army All-American Bowl where he caught the attention of a handful of Division I programs.
After offers from Ohio State, Notre Dame and Clemson, Mangold decided to stay in state, heading off to play in Columbus. In his first season with the Buckeyes, Mangold appeared in eight games during the team’s 14-0 run to the BCS Championship game. Although he had not started throughout the year, the then-true freshman was able to find playing time during the team’s 31-24 national championship win over the Miami Hurricanes. Mangold became a three-year starter following his true freshman season, helping Ohio State to both a 10 and 11-win season.
The All-Big Ten standout would go on to be selected by the Jets in the first round of 2006 NFL Draft with the team’s 29th overall selection. His time with the organization featured six top-10 rushing seasons and back-to-back runs to the AFC Championship game. Following his retirement in 2018, Mangold has continued to stay close to the Jets’ facility where he and his family currently live. The former center has taken up a passion in his post-playing career building his barbecue sauce brand, “74 BBQ”.
With an ever-growing resume, Mangold’s newest accomplishment might just be the cherry on top before he awaits to hear his name called in Canton.
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