🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41. Medical Struggle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college. “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 explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer. “Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Illustrious NFL Career Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired 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 said in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period 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 favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – 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, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing 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 children, 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 paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”