🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41. Health Battle and Community Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required 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 resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time. “Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Illustrious NFL 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 team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center led an O-line alongside 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 durability was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored 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 coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape boys into men and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Personal 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, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying 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.”