The NFL world is mourning the loss of Nick Mangold, one of the most respected and recognizable players in New York Jets history. Mangold passed away at age 41 due to complications from kidney disease, the team announced on Sunday. His death comes less than two weeks after he publicly shared that he was undergoing kidney dialysis and looking out for a transplant donor.
A leader and fan favorite in the New York Jets
Mangold spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the New York Jets, becoming the heart of their offensive line. Drafted in the first round out of Ohio State in 2006, he formed a strong bond with left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, creating one of the league’s most reliable lineman duos known to fans as “Nick & Brick.” Together, they helped the Jets make playoff runs in 2009 and 2010 under head coach Rex Ryan — the team’s last postseason appearances.Jets owner Woody Johnson remembered Mangold as both a player and a person who embodied what it meant to be a Jet. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” 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.,
Nick Mangold’s health struggles and public message
On October 14, Mangold revealed that he had been living with a rare genetic kidney disorder since 2006. In an emotional message shared on social media, he said he was on dialysis and looking for a kidney donor. because no one in his family shared his blood type. “This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health,” Mangold wrote.
Remembered for toughness and consistency.
During his playing days, Mangold was known for his toughness and football intelligence. He started 164 of 176 games for the Jets and missed only four in his first 10 seasons — an incredible feat for any offensive lineman. He was selected to seven Pro Bowls, named first-team All-Pro twice, and earned a reputation as one of the best centers of his generation. Mangold played a key role in helping rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez develop during the Jets’ back-to-back AFC Championship appearances.
Life after football and lasting legacy
After retiring in 2017, Mangold continued to stay involved in the game. He became an assistant football coach at Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey, where he mentored young athletes. “You get to mold boys into men and teach the game of football — but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold said in a 2024 interview with the New York Post. Mangold was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022. True to form, he celebrated his induction by cracking open a beer on stage, a moment that perfectly captured his easygoing, everyman personality.He is also one of 52 modern-era candidates being considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a reflection of the respect and admiration he earned throughout his career.Also read: Cleveland Browns Week 8 update: David Njoku returns from injury as Shedeur Sanders sidelined in shocking move | What this means for the offense
