🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41. Medical Battle and Community Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college. “In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult 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 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 Jets and Ohio State communities. 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 whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, 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 childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”