🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans 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 resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging 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. “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 communities. I am in search 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 seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped 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 sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches 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 playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired 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, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting. When he announced his illness he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”