🔗 Share this article Jets Legend Nick Mangold Passes Away at 41 While Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41. Health Battle and Public Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone 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 seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time. “Sadly, 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 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 team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.” Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to shape boys into men 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- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember 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 playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.” Family Life and Impact Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting. When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”