New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.
Medical Battle and Public Appeal
Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed 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 was a star in college.
“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped 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 communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
Illustrious Football Career
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, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.
“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”
Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life
Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse 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 remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.
“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.
Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”
Family Life and Legacy
Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.
When he announced his illness he thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”