Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.
Medical Struggle 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 excelled in college.
“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 seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.
“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
Illustrious NFL Career
Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an offensive 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 resilience was highly respected and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.
“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”
Fan Favorite and Later Life
Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee 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 area when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.
“You get to mold boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.
Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons 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 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, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.
When he revealed his illness he thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”