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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans 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 difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote 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 family able 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 type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line together with 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 four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed 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 boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

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