New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant

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

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O 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 stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor 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 career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”