🔗 Share this article New York Jets Icon Nick Mangold Dies at 41 Amid Pursuing Kidney Transplant Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41. Health Battle and Community Appeal Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college. “In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time. “Unfortunately, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning 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 first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice 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 candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league. “Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.” Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant 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 told the press in 2024. Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.” Personal Life and Impact Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting. When he announced his condition he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”