Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.
Medical Battle and Community Appeal
Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help 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 genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.
“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. 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, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”
Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life
Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.
“You get to mold boys into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.
Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches 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 longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.
When he revealed his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”