Jason Kelce Addresses NFL Star Nick Mangold's Death at Age 41: A 'Travesty'

Jason Kelce is remembering late New York Jets star Nick Mangold, days after the former Pro Bowler’s sudden death at age 41.

“It’s just a travesty that that’s happened at such a young age,” said Kelce, 37, on the Wednesday, October 29, episode of his “New Heights” podcast. “He’s got a whole f***ing family, and he’s just one of the most, like, when you think about offensive linemen over the past two decades, like, best of the best, you don’t look any further than Nick Mangold.”

Mangold died on Saturday, October 25, from complications of kidney disease, two weeks after revealing that he needed a new kidney in a public plea to football fans that the New York Jets shared via Instagram.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease,” the October 14 post read. “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 had more time.”

Mangold spent his entire 11-year career with the Jets, making seven Pro Bowls and being named First Team All-Pro twice.

“You want to talk about the stalwart, best offensive lineman to ever play the game,” Kelce said.

He continued, “He was unbelievable in pass protection. He was an unbelievably smart leader in getting those guys on the same page, and he would murder people in the red game. He was unbelievable when he was in the NFL. He was unbelievable at Ohio State.”

That’s high praise coming from Kelce, who made seven Pro Bowls himself at the same position. Though the former Philadelphia Eagles center could be headed to the Hall of Fame himself, he reflected on the moments when fans come up to him to say that he’s the greatest of all-time.

“A lot of people come up and tell me, like, ‘You’re the best center to ever play.’ Like, I get that from other people,” he said. “And it’s hard to receive that because I know in my heart that Nick Mangold at his best was 10 times the player that I ever was. Like, I could never be that dominant at the center position. Nick was phenomenal.”

The day after Mangold’s death, his Jets captured their first win of the year, beating the Cincinnati Bengals 39-38 after losing their first seven games.

“I just think it’s really fitting that, the day this whole thing happens, that the Jets go out there and pull off the upset and beat the Bengals,” Kelce said on Wednesday. “The spirit of Nick Mangold got this done.”

After news broke of Mangold’s death, Jets Co-Chairman Woody Johnson released a statement honoring the legendary player.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Johnson shared onSaturday. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Co-chairman Christopher Johnson echoed his brother Woody’s sentiment.

“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,” he said.