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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters 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 difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular 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, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 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 praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”