The 2025 season has been an emotional rollercoaster for the New York Jets. The team was entering their week eight matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals without a win. In addition, New York would be without stars, wide receiver Garrett Wilson, and cornerback Sauce Gardner. However, despite such a poor record, the team rallied around one another to honor a fallen team legend.
Before kickoff, news broke that long-time center Nick Mangold, passed away on Sunday due to complications from Kidney disease. The 2006 first-round pick played for over a decade in New York from 2006-2016. Through the pain of this loss, New York managed to pull off an improbable comeback win in Mangold’s home state of Ohio. Down 31-16 at the beginning of the fourth, New York scored 23 points to win the game 39-38. The win marked the first one of rookie head coach Aaron Glenn’s career.
In an Emotional Game, the Jets Honor Nick Mangold and Win First Game of the Season
It has been a frustrating first season for rookie head coach Aaron Glenn. The former cornerback returned to the organization for the first time in nearly 25 years since he was in the Jets secondary. After a disastrous 13-6 loss vs. the Carolina Panthers, fans were longing for the season to end. Especially after the week quarterback Justin Fields had. An injury to Tyrod Taylor’s knee kept Fields as the starting center, despite criticism coming directly from team owner Woody Johnson. However, news broke before kick off that helped rally the locker room around one another to honor the passing of a long-time team legend.
Nick Mangold, the 3x All-Pro Jets center from 2006-2015, passes away at 41 years old
Early Sunday afternoon, news broke of the passing of long-time New York Jets center Nick Mangold at only 41 years old. At the time, Mangold was dealing with complications from Kidney disease. Mangold was selected with the 29th pick of the 2006 NFL Draft. The Ohio native played four years at Ohio State, capturing a National Championship in his freshman season and first-team All-American honors in his senior season. Along with fellow 2006 first-round pick, left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Mangold would become one of the best centers in the NFL. Between 2009 and 2011, Mangold was named first-team All-Pro each season. Before his retirement in 2017, Mangold’s 164 career games were 12th in franchise history. Since retirement, Mangold has remained active in the New Jersey community, spending quality time with his wife Jennifer and their four children.
We are heartbroken to share the news of Nick Mangold’s sudden passing.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 26, 2025
The untimely passing of Mangold left a hole in the fanbase, admiring the determination of the team’s veteran center. Messages of support from former teammates and opponents alike in memory of the team legend. Among them was an emotional tribute from former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan. Ryan coached Mangold for six seasons between 2009-2014. However, in this time of mourning, the Jets rallied around the sideline and managed to come together to deliver their first win of the season in Mangold’s home state.
Breece Hall’s Explosive Fourth Quarter Leads to First Win
Entering the fourth quarter, the Jets were getting dominated by the Bengals. Led by veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, the Bengals managed three touchdowns in the first half. Normally an improbable lead, but a 15-yard touchdown pass from Justin Fields to Tyler Johnson in the second quarter was significant. This was the first touchdown the Jets offense scored in the first half since week one vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the team in need of a spark, star running back Breece Hall answered the call.
Before the game, Breece Hall had no touchdowns on the entire season. With rumors of a potential trade coming, the Jets running back wanted to show why he’s a top 10 running back. Seconds into the fourth quarter, Hall took the ball from five yards out and ran it in for his first touchdown of the season. Immediately after, Justin Fields’s two-yard run on the two-point conversion made it a one-possession game. Despite the Bengals scoring a touchdown on the following drive, New York wasn’t giving up.
Getting the ball back down 38-24, Justin Fields locked in and led a 60-yard drive in just over five minutes. Thankfully, capped off with a 22-yard touchdown run by Breece Hall for his second touchdown of the quarter. Thanks to a successful two-point conversion, New York was only down by 6. New York got the ball back with under seven minutes left. Once again, New York took advantage of the second-worst defense in the NFL, taking them within the red zone with under three minutes left. Then, the game-winning touchdown happened.
Breece Hall double clutches and throws a touchdown to Mason Taylor!
NYJvsCIN on CBS/Paramount+https://t.co/HkKw7uXVnt pic.twitter.com/yQ6gDM4nen
— NFL (@NFL) October 26, 2025
On first and goal, New York had the ball at the four-yard line. After Justin Fields pitched it to Breece Hall, the star running back stunned the Bengals. Opting to throw a pass, Hall found rookie tight end Mason Taylor for the touchdown pass. The Jets would take the 39-38 lead, and Taylor had his first career touchdown. Finally, New York’s defense forced a turnover on downs and secured the first Jets win of the season.
The Jets Win Their First Game of the Season, 39-38
Before today, the calls were growing to potentially move on from Aaron Glenn. While many respect the rookie head coach’s efforts, the results were not doing him any favors without any wins. However, in a game like this, you saw why the Jets wanted to bring Aaron Glenn back. Now with his first win of the season, the Jets head coach can head into the bye week with some pressure off his shoulders. After the bye week, the Jets will return on November 9th to face the Cleveland Browns.
Main Photo: [Katie Stratman]- Imagn Images
The post In an Emotional Game, the Jets Honor Nick Mangold and Win First Game of the Season appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.