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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

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

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice 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 presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted 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 shape young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”