🔗 Share this article Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41. Medical Battle and Community Appeal In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years. “Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years. “Regrettably, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning 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 first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee 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 more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape boys into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. 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, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting. When he announced his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”