Career Timeline of Nick Mangold: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 15, 2025

How Nick Mangold built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nick Mangold is a former American football center who had an 11-year NFL career with the New York Jets. He played college football at Ohio State before being drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. Mangold was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and was highly regarded as one of the best centers in the league during his time.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2001: Compared to LeCharles Bentley

In 2001, Ohio State's offensive line coach Jim Bollman rated Mangold on par with former Buckeye All-American and 2001 Rimington Trophy winner LeCharles Bentley.

2002: U.S. Army All-American Bowl

In 2002, Mangold played in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, despite being unregarded by recruiting services.

2003: Started as Center for Ohio State

In 2003, Mangold started as center for the final 11 games of the season for Ohio State after Alex Stepanovich suffered a knee injury. When Stepanovich returned, Mangold continued to play center.

2004: All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention

In 2004, Mangold earned All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention honors. The coaching staff also named Mangold Offensive Lineman of the Week seven times and Offensive Player of the Week vs. Northwestern.

2005: Greg Eslinger Wins Awards

In 2005, Greg Eslinger won the Outland Trophy and Rimington Trophy; Nick Mangold was seen as a better NFL prospect

2005: Second-Team All-Big Ten

In 2005, Mangold was chosen second-team All-Big Ten.

2006: Top Center in the NFL Draft

After a "tremendous performance" at the 2006 Senior Bowl, Mangold was widely regarded as the top center available in the 2006 NFL draft.

2006: Rookie Season with the Jets

In 2006, Mangold replaced Kevin Mawae at center and had a good rookie season with the New York Jets, starting all 16 games.

2006: Selected in the First Round of the NFL Draft

In 2006, Nick Mangold was selected by the New York Jets in the first round of the NFL draft. He played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes before being drafted.

2006: Drafted by the New York Jets

In 2006, the New York Jets selected Mangold in the first round (29th overall) of the NFL draft. They had also drafted D'Brickashaw Ferguson, rebuilding their offensive line.

2007: Started all 16 Games

From 2007 through 2010, Mangold started all 16 games in 4 of those seasons.

2008: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2008, Mangold was a Pro Bowl selection and part of an offensive line that started the same players for 32 games.

2009: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2009, Mangold was a Pro Bowl selection.

August 24, 2010: Signed a Seven-Year Contract

On August 24, 2010, Mangold signed a seven-year $55 million contract with $22.5 million guaranteed, becoming the highest-paid center in the NFL.

2011: Ankle Injury

During Week 2 of the 2011 season, Mangold left the game with an ankle injury, missing the next two games. He returned in Week 5 and finished the season starting 14 games, earning a Pro Bowl selection for the fourth time.