🔗 Share this article

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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew 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 NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an O-line together with 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 toughness was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of 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 impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached 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 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 injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”