3S.Gone Too Soon: Steelers Pay Emotional Tribute to NFL Icon After Shocking Death at 41

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – October 26, 2025

The Pittsburgh Steelers have joined the rest of the NFL community in mourning the tragic passing of former New York Jets legend Nick Mangold

, who died at the age of 41 following complications from chronic kidney disease.

In an emotional statement released Monday morning, the Steelers organization extended its deepest condolences to Mangold’s family, his former teammates, and the entire Jets community.

“Nick represented everything that was great about this league — toughness, loyalty, and heart. His legacy goes beyond the game. Today, we stand with the Jets and with his loved ones as one NFL family,”

the team’s statement read.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin, known for his deep respect for players who embody leadership and integrity, also reflected on Mangold’s impact on the sport.

“Nick Mangold was the kind of competitor every coach admired — fierce on the field, but humble and gracious off it. The entire Steelers organization sends our love and prayers to his family.”

Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro, spent his entire 11-year career with the Jets (2006–2016) and was widely regarded as one of the best centers of his generation. His recent public fight against chronic kidney disease inspired fans and fellow athletes across the league.

Steelers players took to social media to honor him, with several linemen posting the phrase “#68Strong” — a nod to Mangold’s jersey number — alongside the black and gold heart emoji.

The league has confirmed that a moment of silence will be held before Week 8 kickoffs in his memory.

“Some players define an era — Nick was one of them,”

Tomlin added. “Our hearts are heavy tonight, but his spirit will live on in every locker room that values brotherhood and courage.”

Rest in peace, Nick Mangold — the entire Steelers Nation stands with your family.

49ers Hand Shilo Sanders Shocking Second Chance — His Future Hangs on Medicals

San Francisco, CA – August 29, 2025

The San Francisco 49ers have reached a verbal agreement with defensive back Shilo Sanders, according to team sources, with the deal pending the results of a medical evaluation. The move underscores San Francisco’s effort to reinforce depth in the secondary as the 2025 season approaches.

Sanders, 25, arrives with both name recognition and proven college production. The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, he forged his own path with stops at South Carolina, Jackson State, and Colorado. Across 41 career games, he totaled 161 tackles, 11 interceptions, and six forced fumbles, including a standout 2023 season at Colorado where he led the Buffaloes in solo tackles.

His path to San Francisco has been turbulent. Sanders went undrafted in 2025 before signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but his stint ended abruptly when he was released on August 24 following a preseason ejection for unnecessary roughness. That setback raised doubts about his NFL future, though the 49ers see value in taking a closer look at his potential.

Medical concerns are at the center of the decision. Sanders tore his ACL in 2022 and dealt with lingering issues in 2024, leading San Francisco to require a full medical clearance before finalizing the deal.

The 49ers’ interest is timely. With injuries testing their secondary in camp, adding a versatile defensive back who can line up at both safety and cornerback — and contribute on special teams — is viewed as a low-risk, potentially high-reward move.

Reactions among fans and analysts have been mixed. Some believe Sanders’ injury history makes him too much of a gamble, while others argue San Francisco’s locker-room culture could provide the stability needed for his redemption.

Sanders himself voiced gratitude for the opportunity. “People call me a risk, they say I’ve had injuries and mistakes — but all I need is one second chance. The 49ers believe in me when others didn’t, and I promise San Francisco I’ll fight for every snap in red and gold.”

If he passes his medical evaluation, Sanders could find not only a roster spot in San Francisco but also the chance to write a redemption story on one of the NFL’s most ambitious contenders.