🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer. “Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Storied NFL Career Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an offensive line together with 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 resilience was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches 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 adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “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 remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Family Life and Legacy Mangold was married 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 weightlifting. When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”