🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41. Health Battle and Public Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college. “In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years. “Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Illustrious NFL 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 team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside 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 toughness was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted 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 young men into men and teach 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- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting. When he announced his condition he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”