🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41. Health Struggle and Community Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer. “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 families. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Illustrious 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 an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic 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 leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor 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 region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting. When he revealed his illness he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”