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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

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

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out 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 first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he downed 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, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”