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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

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

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

Storied Football 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, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an O-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 durability was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor 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 career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great 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 final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”