New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.
Medical Struggle and Community Appeal
Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.
“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on 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 more time.
“Regrettably, 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 families. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”
Illustrious NFL 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 team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised 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 core of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”
Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life
Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.
“You get to shape young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.
Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘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 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.
When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”