They were drafted the same day in 2006. D'Brickashaw Ferguson was picked fourth overall, Nick Mangold was 29th. They became good friends and anchored the New York Jets' offensive line for a decade. It was Nick & Brick. Or was it Brick & Nick? It didn't matter.
On Friday, Mangold tweeted his reaction to Ferguson's retirement. So did other current players, as well as a couple of former Jets:
Brick was a great Jet, teammate & professional. He is an even better friend & man. Honored to be at every step of his journey #NYJ #2006
— Nick Mangold (@nickmangold) April 8, 2016
We will def miss you @DBrickashaw you meant a lot to us young guys in that locker room. Thanks for everything and more. #ForeverAJet
— Calvin Pryor III (@star_island25) April 8, 2016
Damon Harrison, now a member of the New York Giants, was close to Ferguson -- literally. Their lockers were side-by-side.
Thank you brick! More than just a great football player, you are a great man! Showed me how to be a pro. A model of who we all strive to be.
— Damon Harrison (@BigDame900) April 8, 2016
Anyone who knows Brick knows this isn't about sticking it to the Jets. This man will be successful at anything. Just time folks....
— Damien Woody (@damienwoody) April 8, 2016
Woody and Ferguson were teammates from 2008 to 2010, the bookend tackles on a fantastic offensive line. The interior guys were Mangold, Brandon Moore and Alan Faneca (2008-2009). What the Jets wouldn't give for a line like that now.