🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving 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.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed 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 turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire 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 time, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted 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, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support 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.”