🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years. “Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time. “Sadly, 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 families. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Illustrious Football Career Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor 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 region 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 men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024. Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Family Life and Impact Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”