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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center led an O-line together with 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 universally praised and he sat out only 4 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 core of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career 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 instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in 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 sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and community behind me.”