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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need 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 entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – 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, taking on the role of 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 teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing 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 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

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