🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years. “Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped 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 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 entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular 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 assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. 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 final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Family Life and Impact Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting. When he announced his condition he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”