🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

“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 followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged 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 boys into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached 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 young man. 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 states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired 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 sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”