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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek 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 reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-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 humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee 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, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”