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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, 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 was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew 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 Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line alongside 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 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – 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, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful 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 hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he announced his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”