Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.
Medical Struggle and Public Appeal
Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed 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 college.
“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated 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 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 whole professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, 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 toughness was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”
Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life
Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career 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 instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.
Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”
Family Life and Legacy
Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.
When he announced his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”