Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.
In early announcements, Mangold disclosed 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 diagnosed to have a genetic defect 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 was always aware 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 turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
Mangold was a first-round pick 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 a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”
Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed 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 shape young men into men and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.
Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”
Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.
When he revealed his condition he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”
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