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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media 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 playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, 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 married to his childhood sweetheart, 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 phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”