🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, 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 followers. I am in need 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, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an O-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 durability was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “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 hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to 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 amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”