🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41. Medical Battle and Community Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college. “Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years. “Regrettably, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Illustrious Football Career Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged 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 shape young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Personal Life and Impact Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he announced his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”