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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public 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 excelled 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 undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew 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 turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored 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 boys into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”