Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant

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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough 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 hoped I would have had additional years.

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

Storied 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 franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. 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 downed 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 coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure 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, seriously hurt – 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 childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and community behind me.”