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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans 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 challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought 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 search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an O-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 four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches 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 playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”