🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“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 explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach 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 not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit 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 emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. 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 injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”