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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication 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 engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games 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, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and community behind me.”