🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41. Health Battle and Community Appeal In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college. “Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time. “Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Illustrious Football Career Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Later Life Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Family Life and Impact Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four 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 illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”