Nick Mangold Says He ‘Should Be Out There’ Week 17

Dec 21, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) wears an NYPD cap during the coin toss before a game against the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets center Nick Mangold said, while on crutches after the team’s Week 16 loss, that he ‘should be out there’ for their season finale.

Anyone who has New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork fall on their leg should probably not expect to use that leg for a while. Not so, says New York Jets center Nick Mangold, whose ankle is currently in a cast after Wilfork was blocked into it. Despite all that, Mangold insists he’ll be ready to play Week 17 and finish out the 2014 season.

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“We’ll find out, but I wouldn’t see why not,” Mangold said per the New York Post. “I’ve dealt with issues like this before. I should be out there.”

No one would blame Mangold if he wanted to sit this one out. At 3-12, the Jets have nothing to play for but pride, but that alone almost got them the improbable win over their division nemesis.

The Jets actually had the lead after three quarters, but failed to stop the Patriots in the fourth quarter. New England did just enough to win at Gillette Stadium by a score of 17-16, clinching a first-round bye in the process.

Before Mangold was carted off the field, Wilfork and other teammates gathered and encouraged Mangold, a gesture that left an impression on the center.

“When the other team comes over and shows their respect, words can’t describe the appreciation I have for those guys,” he said. “It’s definitely a very humbling experience.”

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