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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious 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 franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into men 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 recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”