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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.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped 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 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 team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games 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 career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor 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, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

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

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”