🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41. Health Battle and Public Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college. “Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time. “Regrettably, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Illustrious NFL Career Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line together with 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 resilience was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his initial ten 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 ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, 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 supporters, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful 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 last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – 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 wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”