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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

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

“Regrettably, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole 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 period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated 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, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards 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 remained in the area when his career 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 adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family 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 thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”