New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant
Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.
Health Struggle and Public Appeal
In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.
“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.
“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
Illustrious NFL Career
Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness 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,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”
Fan Favorite and Later Life
Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.
“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.
Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”
Personal Life and Legacy
Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.
When he revealed 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 amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”