🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41. Health Struggle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years. “Back in 2006, I was found 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 wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years. “Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Illustrious Football 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 twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to 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 missed only 4 games in his first 10 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 ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games 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 career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold young men into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024. Ex- head 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 wonderful young man. 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, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and network behind me.”