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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

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

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

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied NFL 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 franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted 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 boys into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great 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 injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

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

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”