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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Regrettably, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. 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 entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”