Center of Attention: Nick Mangold retires as member of the Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Nick Mangold was the anchor of the New York Jets' offensive line for 11 seasons, a smart, reliable and tough dude who was one of the franchise's most consistently good players.

His sharp wit and sarcasm made him a favorite of teammates and fans. Mangold also rocked a big, bushy beard and long blond hair that made him look more like he belonged on a Viking ship than a football field.

But from 2006 until through 2016, Mangold was one of the NFL's best players at his position. On Tuesday, he was again the center of attention as he signed a oneday contract with the Jets to officially retire as a member of the team.

“I've had the good fortune of signing three contracts with the New York Jets,” Mangold said while holding his 3-year-old daughter Eloise. “This was the first one I signed with a child on my lap.”

The 34-year-old Mangold, wearing his Jets cap backward as he always did during his playing days, was honored during a ceremony that included a framed No. 74 jersey displayed on the podium, a video featuring career highlights and some music from Dave Matthews Band — one of his favorites — playing over the speakers as guests arrived.

The team feted the seventime Pro Bowl selection, who announced his retirement last week , with his wife Jennifer and their three children in attendance, along with several other members of his family, including his sister Holley, a member of the 2012 U.S. Olympic weightlifting team. Former teammates D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Brandon Moore and Willie Colon were there, too, as was former Jets center John Schmitt from the 1969 Super Bowl-winning team, and current coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan.

Mangold was a first-round draft pick out of Ohio State in 2006 and immediately became a starter for New York.