New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.
Health Battle and Community Appeal
Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.
“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought 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 reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”
Illustrious NFL Career
Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.
“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”
Beloved Figure and Later Life
Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant 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 little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.
Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great 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, injured – 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 four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.
When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”