🔗 Share this article Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41. Medical Struggle and Community Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect 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 believed I would have had more time. “Regrettably, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search 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 spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty 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, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games 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, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold boys into men and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told 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 brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Personal Life and Impact Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting. When he announced his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”