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Ryan Day Saddened By Death Of Two Former Ohio State Football Stars

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Oct 28, 2025 12:42 PM ET

It's been a rough few days for the Ohio State Buckeyes as two program legends sadly passed away far too young.

Late last week, former Ohio State offensive lineman Bob Maggs unexpectedly passed away at the age of 61. But on Sunday morning, the gut-wrenching news was cranked up further as Buckeyes and NFL legend Nick Mangold passed away from kidney disease at the age of just 41.

Ohio State paid tribute to Maggs and Mangold at the time of their respective passings, but head coach Ryan Day gave a tribute of his own at his Tuesday morning press conference. Speaking to the media, he opened it by offering condolences to the families of both Maggs and Mangold, highlighting the "major impacts" that they both had on the Buckeyes in their respective eras of playing.

Day then announced that the Buckeyes would be honoring both men with a moment of silence ahead of their game against the Penn State Nittany Lions on Saturday.

Ryan Day began his press conference by offering his condolences to the families of Nick Mangold and Bob Maggs. Day said both former players had "major impacts" on the Ohio State program and that the Buckeyes will hold a moment of silence for them at the Penn State game.
— Chase Brown (@chaseabrown__) October 28, 2025

Nick Mangold's Legacy

Mangold was an All-Big Ten and All-American at Ohio State and a part of the Buckeyes' 2002 national title team under Jim Tressel. He started 33 of 45 games under Tressel and wound up going No. 29 overall to the New York Jets in the 2006 NFL Draft.

In New York, Mangold became not only a star but a symbol of the team's success during a period of sustained if brief success. From 2006 to 2016 he started 164 games and helped the team reach the playoffs three times, including back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in 2009 and 2010.

Mangold was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro selection in New York. After his retirement in 2016, the team honored him with induction into the New York Jets Ring of Honor in 2022.

Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Bob Maggs' Legacy

Maggs was the starting center of two stellar teams under the late Earle Bruce between 1985 and 1986, including their 1986 Cotton Bowl-winning team. He was a two-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection

His son, Mason Maggs, is a current quarterback on the Ohio State Buckeyes.

Our hearts go out to both of their families and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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