🔗 Share this article

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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help 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 hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. 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 spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – 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 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and community behind me.”