Jeremy Ruckert Honors Late Jets Legend Nick Mangold with Emotional Tribute

When Jeremy Ruckert was a boy growing up on Long Island, Sundays meant watching the New York Jets — and more often than not, that meant watching Nick Mangold dominate the line of scrimmage. Mangold, a two-time First-Team All-Pro and the anchor of the Jets’ offensive line for over a decade, became one of the franchise’s defining figures. For Ruckert, who was just 10 years old when Mangold and the Jets last made a run to the AFC Championship Game, the connection ran deep.

That connection took on even greater meaning this fall. On October 25, Mangold passed away at age 41 after a battle with kidney disease, leaving behind a profound legacy on and off the field. His death sent ripples throughout the Jets organization and across the football world, uniting generations of players and fans in remembrance.

Now, more than a decade after Mangold last suited up for Gang Green, one of his admirers — and a fellow Buckeye — carries his spirit forward. Before the Jets’ 27–20 home victory over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, Ruckert honored Mangold in a special way, arriving at MetLife Stadium wearing a scarlet No. 55 Ohio State jersey bearing Mangold’s name.

“What a day by the New York Jets,” Ruckert posted on X after the game. “Got another win and honored the life of a great Buckeye, Jet, and human being. I’ve been a fan of #74 since I could remember. It’s an honor to step on the same fields you played on and wear the same threads you wore. Rest in peace.”

1. A Legacy Built on Loyalty and Leadership

Nick Mangold’s career embodied everything teams hope for in a franchise cornerstone. Drafted by the Jets in 2006, the Ohio State alumnus quickly became a mainstay of the offensive line, protecting quarterbacks and paving the way for running backs during one of the team’s most competitive eras. His consistency and toughness defined the Jets’ identity from 2006 through 2016, helping lead the franchise to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010. Beyond his accolades — seven Pro Bowl selections and two First-Team All-Pro honors — Mangold’s leadership resonated in locker rooms and film rooms alike. He was known for his no-nonsense demeanor, intelligence, and loyalty to the franchise that drafted him. Those who played alongside him often described him as the heartbeat of the team, a player who held teammates accountable while never seeking the spotlight himself. In 2022, the Jets inducted Mangold into their Ring of Honor, a fitting tribute for a player who embodied the team’s culture and grit for more than a decade. The ceremony celebrated not just his on-field excellence but his connection with the fanbase, which revered him for his authenticity and blue-collar approach. Ruckert, like many young Jets fans, grew up admiring those qualities — and now wears the same green and white jersey that once symbolized Mangold’s leadership and pride.

2. Ohio State Brotherhood and Shared Roots

The tribute meant more than just honoring a former NFL star — it also reflected a shared bond forged in Columbus. Both Mangold and Ruckert attended The Ohio State University, a football powerhouse where standards of excellence and discipline are deeply ingrained. Mangold, who won a national championship with the Buckeyes during the 2002–03 season, remains revered in the program’s storied history. Ruckert followed that same path two decades later, carving out his own collegiate legacy before being drafted by the Jets in 2022. The shared lineage between Ohio State and New York became a poignant bridge between generations, linking the past and present through mutual respect and tradition. When Ruckert arrived at MetLife Stadium in Mangold’s Ohio State jersey, it symbolized more than nostalgia — it was a show of gratitude. The gesture honored not only Mangold’s athletic achievements but also the impact he had as a mentor figure to countless players who came after him. That bond between Buckeyes, strengthened by shared values of work ethic and humility, continues to define Ruckert’s approach as a young player finding his place in the league. As he grows into a larger role with the Jets, Mangold’s influence will no doubt remain a part of his journey.

3. Beyond Football: Remembering the Person Behind the Player

While Nick Mangold’s on-field accomplishments are etched in franchise history, those who knew him best remember him most for who he was off the field — a family man, a teammate, and a friend. Known for his humor, warmth, and humility, Mangold’s presence extended well beyond the game. He was a devoted husband and father, roles that defined him long after his final snap. His passing leaves a void that statistics and records can’t fill, but his influence endures through the people he inspired — from former teammates to young fans like Ruckert, who continue to carry his legacy forward. By honoring Mangold on game day, Ruckert reminded the football world that the measure of a player goes far beyond numbers. It’s about character, influence, and the ability to inspire others to follow in your footsteps. As the Jets continue their season, the spirit of Nick Mangold lives on — in the franchise he helped elevate and in the next generation determined to honor his example.