Ohio State football community reacts on social media to center Nick Mangold's death

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Mon, Oct 10th, 2025 by Columbus Dispatch

Immediate Reaction from Ohio State

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day, who coached Mangold at the university, posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram that was quickly shared by the Buckeyes’ official athletics page. “Nick was the first to say ‘good morning’ to the crew, the last to say ‘good night.’ He was the one that always put the team first, and that was his gift to us,” Day wrote. The team’s official Twitter account echoed the sentiment, announcing that the Ohio State football program would wear black armbands during its next home game against the Michigan State Spartans as a sign of respect and remembrance.

The Ohio State athletic department released a formal statement that praised Mangold’s character, leadership, and dedication. “Nick was a first‑round draft pick who lived his life with honor and integrity, both on and off the field,” the statement said. “His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched as a teammate, friend, and mentor.” The statement also mentioned that a memorial fund would be set up in Mangold’s name to support youth football programs in the Cincinnati area.

The university’s website hosts a “Remembering Nick Mangold” page that includes a photo montage of the former Buckeyes’ highlights, his NFL career achievements, and an obituary that lists his accomplishments outside of football, including his charitable work with the Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati and his volunteer coaching at a local high school. The page also links to a video tribute from the University of Cincinnati, where Mangold spent his early life and where he was a standout in high school football.

Social Media and Fan Tributes

On social media, fans flooded the internet with tribute posts, photos, and videos. The hashtag #RestInPeaceNickMangold trended on Twitter within hours of the news breaking. Former teammates from both Ohio State and the NFL posted memories and statements. Chris Jones, a former NFL center and teammate of Mangold’s at the Colts, shared a photo of the two together in the locker room and wrote, “Nick was a friend. He was a brother. He was a true competitor. We’ll miss you, bro.” Similarly, former NFL teammate and current Chicago Bears defensive lineman Brian Burns posted a short video of a football player’s silhouette with a voiceover: “He was a gentleman. He was a champion.”

The Facebook community, particularly the Ohio State fan base, created memorial pages that were quickly visited by thousands of fans. One such page, “Nick Mangold – Buckeyes 2005‑2007”, posted a compilation of game footage and interviews where Mangold discussed his college experience. The page’s comments section was filled with stories of how Mangold’s work ethic and positivity inspired teammates and fans alike.

The NFL’s official Twitter account posted a solemn tribute from the league, thanking the family for the gift of Mangold’s life and service. “We are so proud of the man and the football player Nick was. His legacy will live on in the many lives he touched.” The Chiefs, the last NFL team Mangold played for, posted a video montage of his final season highlights and thanked him for his dedication to the franchise.

Community Response and Memorials

The Buckeyes’ football program has announced that a moment of silence will be observed before the kickoff of the Ohio State vs. Michigan State game. The university will also unveil a plaque in the Student Section of Ohio Stadium that reads, “In memory of Nick Mangold, 2005‑2007.” The plaque will be located in the corner of the field where Mangold was a dominant force during his college days.

In addition to the moment of silence, the university’s Student Government has pledged to donate $50,000 to the Children’s Hospital of Cincinnati’s pediatric cardiac program in honor of Mangold’s love for medical research and his support of children’s health initiatives. The donation will be announced during a special ceremony at the next home game.

The Ohio State football community has also requested that donations be made to the “Nick Mangold Memorial Fund” rather than sending flowers or money to the family. The fund will specifically support youth football programs in the Cincinnati area, allowing young athletes to pursue their dreams on the field in the same spirit that Mangold embodied.

Final Thoughts

Nick Mangold’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Ohio State and NFL communities, as well as the broader football world. He was remembered not only as a dominant lineman on the field but also as a generous, hard‑working, and genuinely kind individual who left a lasting impact on everyone he met. The outpouring of grief and tribute across social media and official channels reflects the deep respect that the football community holds for him. As the Buckeyes and NFL continue to honor his legacy through memorials, fundraisers, and moments of silence, Mangold’s story will remain a testament to the power of character, camaraderie, and the love of the game.