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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared 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 shone in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect 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 hoped I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O 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 seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised 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 stated in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored 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 adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing 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 sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”