NFL alum Marc Sanchez returned to social media for the first time since his shocking arrest to mourn his former New York Jets teammate Nick Mangold after his death at the age of 41.
“We lost a good man today. I know @realnickmangold will be a hall of famer, but there’s more to his story than his accomplishments on the gridiron,” Sanchez, 38, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, October 26. “He was more than a teammate. He was my older brother who introduced me to the NFL. He taught me the ropes.”
He continued: “He was my friend and confidant. He was a role model and a great father to his children and husband to his wife. Our hearts are heavy. You will be missed. Rest in peace. Friend. I love you big.”
The news broke a few hours earlier Mangold had died after complications of kidney disease.
The family of former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez broke their silence two days after he allegedly assaulted a 69-year-old delivery driver in downtown Indianapolis. “This has been a deeply distressing time for everyone involved. Mark and our family are incredibly grateful for the concern, love and support we have received over the past few days,” Mark’s brother, Nick, (…)
“Nick was more than just a legendary center,” the Jets president said Woody Johnson said in a press release shared by the NFL team. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth and unwavering loyalty made him a beloved member of our extended Jets family.”
Before his death, Mangold he had been on dialysis to treat his illness.
“It’s not an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been going on with me and my health,” Mangold wrote via Instagram on Oct. 14. “In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a tough summer, I’m on dialysis, but I always thought that a kidney transplant would come this day. More time.”
Nick Mangold and Mark Sanchez.
Nick Laham/Getty ImagesMangold, who is survived by his wife and four children, played 11 seasons with the Jets from 2006 to 2016. Sanchez, meanwhile, had been drafted by the Jets in 2009, where he played until 2013. Sanchez later played for several other teams before retiring in 2019.
Sanchez’s tribute to Mangold marks his first social media post since his stab wound and subsequent arrest. Sanchez was hospitalized with stab wounds in Indianapolis earlier this month after a physical altercation with another individual. While receiving medical treatment for his injuries at a local hospital, Sanchez was arrested for his alleged role in the incident.
Although Sanchez has not spoken publicly about his arrest, local prosecutors are pursuing a level 5 felony charge that carries a sentence of one to five years in prison.
“I don’t care who you are. I don’t care what you do for a living,” Indianapolis Police Chief Chris Bailey said during an Oct. 6 news conference. “I don’t care where you live. If you come into our city, commit violence, we will use every tool at our disposal to hold you accountable.”
A pre-trial hearing was held on Wednesday, October 22, although Sánchez was not present in the courtroom.
“Thank you for allowing our client to be excused from today’s hearing,” his lawyer said Tim Delaney he said during the proceedings. “He is still recovering from his injuries and the medical intervention.”