Ex-Jet Nick Mangold, One of NFL’s Best Centers, Retires

NEW YORK (AP) — Nick Mangold has made his final snap after 11 years of consistency, toughness and NFL-wide respect as one of the game's best centers.

The former New York Jets star — with his signature blond, bushy Viking-like beard — announced his retirement in a post on Twitter on Tuesday morning . He was selected to seven Pro Bowls and was twice a first-team All-Pro.

"I DECLARE RETIREMENNNTTTTTTT!" Mangold wrote fittingly at 7:40 a.m. — he wore jersey No. 74. He says he will be signing a one-day deal with the team so he can retire a Jet. "Thank you to all! J! E! T! S! Jets! Jets! Jets!"

The Jets announced they will hold a news conference April 24 at their facility to honor Mangold.

The 34-year-old Mangold did not play last season after being released by New York in February 2017. He played in only eight games in 2016 because of ankle and foot injuries that landed him on the injured reserve list for the final month.

Mangold was a first-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2006 and immediately became a starter for New York. He was one of the most popular Jets players among teammates and fans.

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