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

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Sadly, 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 search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. 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 comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”