🔗 Share this article

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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

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

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

Storied NFL 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 franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center led an O-line together with 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 durability was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great 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 hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

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