🔗 Share this article Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41. Health Struggle and Public Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for 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 led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer. “Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Illustrious NFL Career Mangold was a top draft selection 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 an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024. Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. 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 last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘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 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 illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”