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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“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 always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

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

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified 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 resilience was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – 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 coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”