🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“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 look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Regrettably, 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 families. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire 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 era, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant 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 something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and network behind me.”