🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41. Medical Struggle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated 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 relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Storied Football Career Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold young men into adults and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted 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 sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting. When he revealed his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”