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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required 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 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 wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently 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 not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “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 clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – 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 childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”