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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family 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.”

Storied 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 team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an offensive 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 toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former 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 obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”