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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

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

“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 followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious 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 franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region 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 mold young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious 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 desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he announced his illness he praised 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.”