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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed 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 led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an 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 the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”