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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough 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 believed I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football 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 franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only 4 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 decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. 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 chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”