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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on 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 able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious NFL 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 franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line together with 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 toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “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, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

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