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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family willing 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 O-type 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 team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an O-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 four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “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 hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he announced his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”