🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the 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 diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches 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, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” 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 clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

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