🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41. Medical Struggle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required 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 found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing 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. “Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Illustrious NFL Career Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently 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 not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape young men into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024. Ex- 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 obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired 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 the sport of weightlifting. When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, 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 network behind me.”