🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect 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 always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection 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 period, the offensive lineman led an offensive 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 resilience was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor 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 wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he revealed his condition he thanked 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 amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”