🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41. Health Battle and Community Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years. “Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. 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 spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness 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 said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards 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 stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Family Life and Impact 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 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting. When he revealed his condition he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”