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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging 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 hoped I would have had longer.

“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 first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire 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 era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged 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, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful 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 hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”