CINCINNATI — The New York Jets mourn the loss of Nick Mangold, a celebrated former center and member of the team’s Ring of Honor, who passed away at the age of 41, as announced on Sunday.
Mangold’s passing comes just under two weeks after he reached out on social media in search of a kidney transplant.
On October 14, Mangold revealed his battle with a rare genetic disorder, noting that he had been receiving kidney dialysis treatments since his initial diagnosis back in 2006.
“Sharing this isn’t easy, but I want to be transparent about my health journey,” Mangold conveyed at the time.
In his plea, Mangold sought help from Jets fans and Ohio State supporters, as finding a compatible donor with his blood type proved challenging.
“Nick was far more than just an iconic center,” expressed Jets owner Woody Johnson in a statement. “He was the driving force of our offensive line for ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and resilience defined an era for the Jets. Beyond the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him an integral part of our Jets family.”
Mangold was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and a three-time All-Pro. He is among the 52 modern-era candidates that’s being considered for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame next year.
Mangold was drafted by the Jets in 2006 in the first round out of Ohio State. He started and played in every Jets game from 2006-2011, which includes 89 regular-season games and seven playoff games.
Mangold, along with Jets tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who was also drafted the same year, helped form one of the better offensive lines in the NFL at the time. They were both catalysts in helping the Jets make the playoffs in 2006, 2009, and 2010, with the latter two culminating in AFC Championship appearances.
Mangold was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022. He was honored in the Jets’ third game of that season against the Bengals. After he was released by the Jets in 2016, Mangold retired after 11 seasons.
“Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership,” said Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson. “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.”
Originally Published: October 26, 2025 at 12:18 PM EDT
