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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

“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 followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied Football 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 seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired 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 presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted 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 boys 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- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached 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 pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – 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 married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”