🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away 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 Community Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance 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 led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time. “Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives willing 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 search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Illustrious NFL Career Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape boys into adults and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in 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 sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting. When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”