🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41. Medical Struggle and Public Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time. “Regrettably, I do not have any family 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 need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Illustrious Football 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, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center led an offensive line alongside 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 durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape young men into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Former 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 honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Family Life and Legacy Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he revealed his illness he thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”