New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.
Medical Battle and Public Appeal
Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support 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 hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.
“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. 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 dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.
“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”
Fan Favorite and Later Life
Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.
“You get to shape boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.
Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – 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 childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.
When he announced his condition he praised his family, saying 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 family, companions, and network behind me.”