🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41. Medical Battle and Community Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years. “Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek 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 family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor 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 area 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 young men into men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting. When he announced his condition he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”