Jets legend Nick Mangold named as team's next Hall of Fame candidate

The New York Jets aren't exactly one of the most historically adept teams in NFL history, but they still have their fair share of representation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

There are a lot of Hall of Famers from the Jets' 1969 Super Bowl team, including legendary quarterback Joe Namath, star wide receiver Don Maynard, left tackle Winston Hill, and head coach Weeb Ewbank.

Even in the modern era, the Jets have seen several former players receive their gold jackets. Defensive end Joe Klecko, running back Curtis Martin, offensive lineman Kevin Mawae, and cornerback Darelle Revis all got the nod in the 21st century.

But which former Jets resume stacks up as a Hall of Famer? And will receive the votes to get into Canton?

Jets legend Nick Mangold tabbed as next Hall of Famer

NFL.com's Eric Edholm named every NFL team's next Hall of Fame candidate, and for the Jets, he named longtime center Nick Mangold.

Heartbreakingly, Mangold passed away last year at the young age of 41 due to kidney disease.

"Mangold, who tragically passed away last year after battling kidney disease, made seven Pro Bowls in his 11 NFL seasons. Players with those credentials typically have stronger paths to the Hall, but Mangold played center, one of the trickiest positions to crack in Canton. He has a strong case on paper, but to this point, Mangold hasn’t made the semifinalist tier."

Eric Edholm

Mangold, having been retired from the NFL since 2016, is the most deserving Hall of Fame candidate of any Jet over the last decade.

His 11-year NFL career was spent entirely with the Jets, and you could make the case that he was the best center in the league for a majority of his time in the league.

The 2006 first-round pick started 164 of 176 possible games over his illustrious career, and was a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro.

It's hard to measure how good offensive linemen were during their NFL careers, but when it comes to Mangold, his peers constantly sing his praises.

Likely future Hall of Famer Jason Kelce, in the wake of Mangold's passing last fall, paid the ultimate respect to the Jets legend on his podcast, New Heights, calling him "ten times the player I ever was."

That, along with Mangold's lengthy resume, should be enough for the voters to know that this Jet deserves a spot in Canton, and it should come sooner rather than later.

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