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

Medical Struggle and Community 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 excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was found 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 was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family willing 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 franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an O-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 durability was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his first 10 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 ten years and a beloved 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 extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”