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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an offensive line together with 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 widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards 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 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 mold young men into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure 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 hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

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