🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied 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 franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away 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 currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days 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 men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and community behind me.”