🔗 Share this article

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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need 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 whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed 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 assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”