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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

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

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. 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 dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, 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 playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great 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 fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”