The New York Jets kicked off Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns by taking part in a special ceremony. They honored Nick Mangold, who passed away on Oct. 25 due to complications from kidney disease.
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The Jets honored the longtime center in multiple ways. The team first honored Mangold's wife Jennifer, and their four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte, during the pre-game coin toss.
Several players and fans wore shirts with drawings of Mangold's face. Others wore his No. 74 jersey. The team then unfurled a massive No. 74 banner in the center of the field while another showing his image took up considerable space in the stands.
Pregame tribute for Nick Mangold, including a heartfelt speech by D’Brickashaw Ferguson. #Jets #JetUp pic.twitter.com/i8mrRVKbpP
— Kate Rooney (@TheKateRooney) November 9, 2025
D'Brickashaw Ferguson, a former left tackle for the Jets, gave a speech about his friend and former teammate before the game. He also spoke extensively about Mangold during the Jets pre-game coverage.
"It doesn't even feel real," Ferguson said during the pre-game show. "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 couple weeks ago we heard he was having... needed a kidney, we were like, 'You know what, it's unfortunate, but we're going to figure that out. Somebody's going to step up, and this is going to be a happy story.
"But when you heard the news that it didn't turn out that way, I think it just kinda made everybody stand still for a moment and really reflect."
— New York Jets (@nyjets) November 9, 2025
Mangold, a former first-round draft pick, previously revealed his battle with kidney disease. He posted a letter on social media saying that he was looking for a kidney donor. Mangold said that no one in his family had Type O blood and that he was undergoing dialysis as while looking for a kidney transplant.
Less than two weeks after posting this letter on social media, the longtime Jets star passed away. His funeral took place this week as several former teammates attended the service in New Jersey.
"Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership," said Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson on Oct. 26.
"For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His contributions on the field were extraordinary — but it was his character, humility, and humor off the field that made him unforgettable."
