🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing 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.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, 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 nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership 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.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee 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 area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”