🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college. “Back 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 seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years. “Regrettably, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Storied NFL Career Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – 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, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024. Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Family Life and Impact Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four 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 family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”