EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 29: Nick Mangold #74 of the New York Jets in action against the Miami Dolphins during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 29, 2015 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
New York Jets center Nick Mangold announced his retirement from the NFL on Tuesday after 11 seasons with the team.
Mangold, 34, is a seven-time Pro Bowler who missed last season after the Jets released him in February 2017. According to ESPN, the center will sign a one-day deal with the team on April 24 before officially retiring.
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“I DECLARE RETIREMENNNTTTTTTT!” Mangold said in a tweet Tuesday morning that included a letter in which he described his tenure with the franchise.
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“Everything that happened from pee-wee football to high school football to having the good fortune to play at The Ohio State University molded me for my opportunity to play for the New York Jets,” wrote Mangold. He thanked team owner Woody Johnson and Eric Mangini and Mike Tannenbaum, the coach and general manager (respectively) who selected him as a draft pick in 2006.
“In my 11 years as a Jet, there were plenty of ups and downs but, through it all, I wanted to be the Steady Eddie,” Mangold continued. “I wanted to be the guy that other guys looked at to see how it was done. I learned this attribute from the vets that I played with.”
“My biggest regret is not bringing the Lombardi Trophy to New York but, as I retire, I will continue my efforts to bring the Trophy home in a different capacity. I have no idea what that capacity is but I’m sure I will figure something out in the future.”
Mangold said midway through last season that he was battling a foot injury, which ended his 2016 campaign early. A two-time first-team All-Pro, the center started 164 games during his career with the Jets.
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According to ESPN, Mangold had hinted at his imminent retirement during an interview at this year’s Super Bowl.
The Jets finished the 2017 season 5-11 for fourth in the AFC East.
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