Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.
Medical Battle and Community Appeal
Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.
“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped 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 reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
Storied NFL Career
Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”
Fan Favorite and Later Life
Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.
“You get to mold young men into adults and teach 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.
Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” 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 last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”
Personal Life and Impact
Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.
When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”