🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41. Medical Struggle and Public Appeal Earlier in the 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 excelled in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time. “Regrettably, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. 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 spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an offensive line alongside 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 durability was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media 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 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 adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit 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 recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great 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 final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in 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 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting. When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”