The Jets announced the jersey numbers for the 2024 NFL rookie draft class this week, and one surprising number jumped out.
New York's first-round pick, offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, will wear No. 74. That number hasn't been worn by a Jets player since Ring of Honor center Nick Mangold retired from the NFL in 2018. Mangold played 11 years with the Jets from 2006 to 2016 where he made seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams.
Many were surprised that Fashanu picked this number, and that the Jets hadn't retired it yet. It should be noted, though, that the Jets said the numbers were subject to change before the 2024 NFL season.
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Should the Jets retire Nick Mangold's jersey number?
Multiple Jets social media personalities posed the question of Mangold's number retirement following the rookie class announcement. It's a valid thought considering Mangold is one of the most storied players in Jets history.
Mangold was the Jets second first-round pick in 2006. The Jets took him No. 29 overall after the team drafted offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson with the No. 4 pick. Mangold ranks 12th in Jets history in games played for the franchise with 164 — more than four of the five players who've had their jersey numbers retired by the Jets. Wide receiver Don Maynard is the only player who has his jersey number retired and who's played more games for New York than Mangold.
Mangold was eligible for the Hall of Fame this past year but did not make the cut as a semifinalist.
As one fan noted, though, former Jets center Kevin Mawae — who Mangold replaced is in the team's Ring of Honor and is also in the Pro Football Hall of Fame but doesn't have his jersey retired yet. Mawae only played eight seasons with the Jets from 1998 to 2005 after time with the Seahawks. He finished his career with the Titans.
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Another thing: No. 74 is important to Fashanu, too. He wore it throughout his tenure at Penn State and is a part of his brand as he heads into the NFL. He could very well change it between now and the regular season, but there's no real reason to unless he feels obligated to honor Mangold.
For what it's worth, Mangold has not publicly said anything about his number being worn, either.
Jets retired jersey numbers
The Jets only have five players with retired jersey numbers. Of those five, Namath, Martin, Maynard and Klecko are in the Hall of Fame.
- Joe Namath: No. 12
- Don Maynard: No. 13
- Curtis Martin: No. 28
- Joe Klecko: No. 73
- Dennis Byrd: No. 90