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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained 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 appealing to you, our 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family 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, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

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