PITTSBURGH, Pa. — Before his death, the legendary Nick Mangold remained devoted to the NFL, following the league he considered his “second home.” Though a former icon of the New York Jets, Mangold was respected across the league — even by longtime rivals like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Over the weekend, Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett brought a chorus of praise to the crowd at Acrisure Stadium before the game began. The Steelers and the visiting team marched to the center of the field, removed their helmets, and bowed their heads in silence, as a large screen showed footage of Mangold’s Jets glory — from his heroic blocking to his coaching of his teammates on the practice field.
The stadium was quiet for a few minutes, then erupted into a standing ovation from tens of thousands of fans. The NFL community quickly shared the moment on social media, with touching tributes: “This is the spirit of football — respect, camaraderie, and legacy that transcends the jersey.”
After the game, Steelers team president Art Rooney II confirmed that the NFL and Super Bowl organizers are planning a special memorial for Nick Mangold during the biggest event of the season. “Nick was more than just a Jets legend. He was an NFL icon — of fighting spirit and loyalty to the game,” Rooney said. “The Super Bowl is going to give him a place he deserves.”
Kenny Pickett said he feels honored to be a part of this special moment: “Nick is someone that every offensive player looks up to. The way he leads, the way he gives, the way he inspires — that’s what our generation wants to emulate.”
With the upcoming Super Bowl set to pay tribute to Nick Mangold, the entire NFL is gearing up for one of the most moving and meaningful moments in league history — where the love of football is celebrated across rivalries and team lines.
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