🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41. Medical Struggle and Public Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college. “Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years. “Sadly, I do not have any family 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 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside 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 durability was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape young men into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – 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 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting. When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”