New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant

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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew 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 reaching out 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 team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored 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 shape young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor 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, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed 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 the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”