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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone 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 undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, 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 search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “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 fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in 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 four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his family, 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 amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”