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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our 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 whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an 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 contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged 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 mold boys into adults and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “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 recall it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”