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Former New York Jets legend Nick Mangold has died at the age of 41 following complications from kidney disease, the team announced on Sunday. Mangold passed away on October 25, just days after publicly revealing that he was undergoing dialysis while awaiting a kidney transplant.
The Jets confirmed his death in a statement, describing him as "more than a legendary center." Team chairman Woody Johnson said Mangold "was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football." He added that "off the field, Nick's wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family."
Mangold first opened up about his health struggles on October 14, explaining that he had been living with chronic kidney disease since 2006, a result of a genetic defect. In his post, he revealed he was seeking a kidney donor with type O blood and expressed gratitude to those who would consider donating. "After a rough summer, I'm undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant," he wrote. "I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time."
The Ohio State alum was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft and went on to become one of the most respected players in franchise history. He spent his entire 11-year career with the team, making seven Pro Bowl appearances and earning two First-Team All-Pro honors. Known for his durability, Mangold played 164 of 176 games before retiring after the 2016 season.
Following his retirement, he was inducted into the Jets' Ring of Honor in 2022 and was among the 52 modern-era players being considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Ohio State football program also released a statement expressing its condolences to his family and friends, calling him "a national champion and a Buckeye forever."
Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who worked with Mangold for six seasons, became emotional while speaking about his passing on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown. "It's brutal," Ryan said. "Such a great young man. My last game, Mangold was injured, and he still came to me and said, 'I'm playing this game.' He was awesome and just way too young."
Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four children — Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. Johnson said, "On behalf of the entire Johnson family and the New York Jets organization, we offer our sincere condolences to Jenny, their four children, and all who loved him. Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet."
