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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”