🔗 Share this article

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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an 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 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 four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. 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 hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”