🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored 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 this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought 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 hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer. “Sadly, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Storied 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 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 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 toughness was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted 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 mold young men into adults and instruct the sport 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 recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he announced his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”