🔗 Share this article Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41. Health Struggle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years. “Back 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 search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years. “Regrettably, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. 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 seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed 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 coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold boys into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he announced his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”