🔗 Share this article

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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“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 seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed 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 appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type 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, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance 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 massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen 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 stayed in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit 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 recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, 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, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”