🔗 Share this article

Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

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

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

“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious 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 team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions 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 advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and community behind me.”