🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. 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 entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center led an O-line together with 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 toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the heartbeat 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, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. 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 chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- 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 said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”