🔗 Share this article Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41. Medical Struggle and Community Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college. “In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer. “Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Storied Football 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 team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant 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 little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “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 recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting. When he announced his illness he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”