🔗 Share this article Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support 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 difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped 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 appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need 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 spent 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 time, the center fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches 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 playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape young men into men and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing 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 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”