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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging 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 thought I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches 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 longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”