🔗 Share this article Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41. Health Battle and Community Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer. “Sadly, I do not have any relatives 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 need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Illustrious Football 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 franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant 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 teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024. Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – 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 childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting. When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”