🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for 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.

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

Illustrious 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 on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience 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 stated in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, 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, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee 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 career 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 teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former 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 wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he announced his illness he thanked his family, stating 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 network behind me.”