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

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough 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 hoped I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need 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 entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen 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 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 shape boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”