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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this 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 excelled in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit 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.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”