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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

“Unfortunately, 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 type O blood.”

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”