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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives willing 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 O-type blood.”

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged 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, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press 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 commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”