Jason Kelce gave a powerful tribute to Nick Mangold on New Heights

The New York Jets will be mourning the loss of center Nick Mangold for the rest of the 2025 season and beyond, as one of the greatest Jets in history passed away at just 41 years old due to complications from kidney disease before New York's Week 8 win against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The NFL has joined the Jets in remembering just how good Mangold was at the peak of his powers. Not only have many players who suited up against Mangold testified to how good he was, but someone who put together an equally legendary career claimed that No. 74 was as good as it got at the center position.

Former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, who could easily be thought of as the player who took the mantle of best center in the league from Mangold at the end of his career, paid tribute to Mangold in a special edition of the "New Heights" podcast.

Kelce said that Mangold was "ten times the player that I ever was" when he was at the peak of his powers, citing both his equal dominance as a run blocker and pass blocker in addition to his tremendous leadership abilities, always helping the Jets get put in the right situation.

Jason Kelce honors Jets great Nick Mangold with fitting tribute on New Heights

Testimonials from players who played against great offensive linemen or at the same position are often very influential when it comes time to consider induction into the Hall of Fame, and Kelce's words show how respected Mangold was.

Despite playing alongside centers like Kelce, Jeff Saturday, and Maurkice Pouncey, Mangold managed to be named to seven Pro Bowls and three All-Pro teams in his career. In his first 10 seasons with the Jets, Mangold only missed four games.

With Mangold having come to the Jets right after the team parted ways with eventual Hall of Famer Kevin Mawae, the Ohio State star put together such a great career on the field that it could be reasonably argued the Jets got almost two decades straight of Hall of Fame-level center play.

Kelce is one of many former players who have spoken at length about how great a center Mangold was during his best days. However, just as many (if not more) who knew Mangold well have proven what a genuine human being and caring soul he was. He will truly be missed.