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Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies At 41

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Nick Mangold, a seven-time NFL Pro Bowler and New York Jets legend, has died at the age of 41. The tragic announcement comes just two weeks after Mangold announced that he was battling kidney disease and was in desperate need of a transplant.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Mangold during his time with the New York Jets

A center, Mangold played his college ball at Ohio State University, where he was part of the national championship winning squad in 2003. He quickly emerged as one of the top offensive line prospects in the NCAA and racked up a number of college football accolades, including a first-team All American nod in 2005.

Once joining the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Mangold immediately became an impact player, earning a selection to the league’s All-Rookie team in 2006. His first of seven Pro Bowl nods came in 2008, which was followed up by his first of three All-Pro selections in 2009. He was a recognized as a first-team All-Pro offensive lineman in 2009 and 2010, and second-team in 2011.

In 2017, Mangold was released by the Jets after 11 seasons with the club, largely due to the fact that the team was entering rebuilding mode and wanted to shed salary. After spending a year out of football, he signed a one-day contract to officially retire with the Jets.

A fan favorite and one of the statistically greatest offensive linemen in team history, Mangold was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.

Mangold announced earlier this month that he needed a kidney transplant after being diagnosed with “a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease” in 2006, the same year he was drafted.

“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time. Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood,” the 41-year-old wrote.

“I am deeply grateful to anyone that would consider donating. Most of all, I’m thankful for my family, who have been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me,” he added in a heartbreaking social media post.

“While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon.”

“Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership,” Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson said in a statement. “For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His contributions on the field were extraordinary — but it was his character, humility, and humor off the field that made him unforgettable.”

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who currently works as an analyst for ESPN, was brought to tears while remembering Mangold during Sunday’s broadcast. “It’s brutal. Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets,” Ryan said.

He then recalled, through tears, that it was obvious he was going to be fired at season’s end during his last year with the team, but Mangold fought through an injury in order to play for him one last time. “My last game, Mangold’s injured. Like, injured. And he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’  And he wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome and just way too young,” Ryan said while fighting back tears.

Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four children.

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