🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated 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 able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Storied Football 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 franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. 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 last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘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 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for 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 situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”