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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving 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 resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious NFL 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 team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed 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, taking on the role of an 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.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, 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 incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”