🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41. Health Battle and Public Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed 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 undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed 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 reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Storied Football Career Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to 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 legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area 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 men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” 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, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, 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 revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”