Mangold looks at a teammate before the snap
It's pretty common to spot NFL players spending both their free time and well-earned cash at warm weather beachfront properties around the world. Jets center Nick Mangold – currently in his first professional offseason – is breaking that norm.
When contacted by newyorkjets.com, Mangold was rapt in a relaxing vacation in an unlikely region.
"I'm just hanging out, enjoying the cold weather," said Mangold, who was in his home state of Ohio for a vacation away from his permanent home in the Empire State.
The majority of Mangold's offseason has been spent in New York, where he and his wife Jenny have officially called home since the 6'4", 300-pound center was selected 29th overall in the 2006 draft.
Aside from a Florida getaway in mid-January to celebrate his 23rd birthday, Mangold has held off building up his frequent flyer miles by staying local. His five-day trip to the Florida Keys following the Jets' playoff loss to the Patriots was all Mangold needed to unwind.
"Right after we got done, we took a little trip down to Key West," he said. "It was a good way to get away from everything pretty immediately, which was nice to help clear the mind up a little bit."
Since returning to the cold reality that is the New York winter, Mangold has found himself in an unusual situation. As a student-athlete at Big Ten powerhouse Ohio State, free time was sparse to say the least.
"It's amazing how weird it is not being in school or not having something to do," he said of his spare time. "It's been fun but as time wears on, it would be nice to get back in the swing of things.
"Right now, I'd be in classes, trying to make up for everything I missed during the season," Mangold said when comparing his NFL and collegiate offseasons. "I don't really have anything to make up for, so it's been nice to be able to see the family a little bit more and get to spend time with them - it's more about taking advantage of this time to take care of other things like spending time with friends and family."
If there's one thing to cure Mangold's boredom blues, then it's a pair of the finest, most exciting cities that America and perhaps the world has to offer. Since moving to New York last spring, Mangold has taken advantage of his proximity to New York City.
On any given night, there is a good chance of spotting the grizzled blonde and his wife aboard the Long Island Rail Road en route to the Big Apple.
"I enjoy going in there because of all the excitement that goes with the city and the hustle and bustle of everybody," said the former Buckeye who started every game of the season for the Jets. "There are so many things you can do in there with the great restaurants and different activities.
"If I ever had an open window of opportunity, I'd get in there as much as possible," he added. "I don't want to waste the experience of living in New York and being so near the city."
One attraction that brings both hungry tourists and cultured locals alike into Manhattan is the wide variety of food. Mangold went from being considered part of one group to the other in the short period of time since becoming a New Yorker.
"We go to Del Frisco's a lot - we enjoy that thoroughly," he said. "Also, Dos Caminos in SoHo and Tao are both big ones that we like to go to."
Just because it's his job to maintain a lot of weight as an NFL center, Mangold's love for the City does extend beyond culinary creations.
"We did a little bit of the touristy stuff before training camp when I had more time," he said. "We did a ton of sightseeing, just walking around and looking at the different buildings. I kind of have a little spot in my heart for architecture - it's interesting to see all the different buildings in the area."
