🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41. Medical Struggle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college. “Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer. “Regrettably, 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 search 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 franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away 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 presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering 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 flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold young men into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024. Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Family Life and Impact Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting. When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”