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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

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search 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 team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside 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 resilience was highly respected and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner 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 era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area 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 boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and network behind me.”