🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back 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 search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious NFL 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 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised 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 said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. 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 comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”