Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.
Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed 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 genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.
“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”
Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.
“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”
Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.
“You get to mold boys into adults and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.
Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”
Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.
When he revealed his illness he thanked his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”
Milan is een ervaren opticien met een passie voor visuele technologie en klantgerichtheid.
