🔗 Share this article New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Seeking Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41. Medical Battle and Public Appeal Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college. “In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time. “Regrettably, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.” Illustrious Football Career Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an O-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 durability was universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Later Life Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored 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 assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey. “You get to mold young men 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. Former coach Rex Ryan, who led 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 the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Family Life and Legacy Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting. When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”