🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41. Medical Battle and Community Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college. “In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer. “Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Storied Football Career Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper 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 said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall 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 participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Family Life and Legacy Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting. When he revealed his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”