🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 While Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years. “In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated 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 NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Illustrious NFL 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 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 center anchored an offensive line alongside 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 durability was highly respected and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-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 dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed 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 boys into men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024. Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Personal Life and Legacy Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting. When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”