New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant

Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in 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 additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. 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 spent his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee 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 region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults 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 coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”