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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed 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 stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic 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 leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

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

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years 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 says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, 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 paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”