Former New York Jets heart Nick Mangold, a franchise legend who endeared himself to followers and teammates along with his blue-collar, every-man demeanor, has died as a consequence of problems from kidney illness, the workforce introduced Sunday. He was 41.
Mangold’s loss of life got here 12 days after he made a public enchantment for a kidney transplant.
“Nick was greater than a legendary heart,” Jets proprietor Woody Johnson stated in a press release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose management and toughness outlined an period of Jets soccer. Off the sector, Nick’s wit, heat, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our prolonged Jets household.”
We’re heartbroken to share the information of Nick Mangold’s sudden passing.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 26, 2025
The Ohio State soccer program is saddened by the information of Nick Mangold’s passing and sends heartfelt condolences to his household and buddies. pic.twitter.com/cvYMOGJ5iC
— Ohio State Soccer (@OhioStateFB) October 26, 2025
On Oct. 14, Mangold introduced that he was recognized in 2006 with a uncommon genetic dysfunction and that he was present process kidney dialysis. He directed his message to the Jets and Ohio State communities, asking for a kidney as a result of nobody in his household shared his sort O blood sort.
“This is not a straightforward message to share, however I wish to be open about what’s been taking place with me and my well being,” Mangold stated on the time.
Mangold is amongst 52 modern-era candidates at present being thought of for induction into the Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame.
After an All-America profession at Ohio State, Mangold was a first-round draft choose in 2006. That 12 months, the Jets additionally drafted left deal with D’Brickashaw Ferguson within the first spherical.
Referred to as “Nick & Brick,” they turned the leaders of an offensive line that paved the way in which for playoff appearances in 2006, 2009 and 2010 — the franchise’s final journey to the postseason — beneath coach Rex Ryan.
“It is brutal. Such an important younger man. I had the pleasure of teaching him for all six years [I was coach] with the Jets,” Ryan, now an ESPN analyst stated Sunday, combating by tears. “I keep in mind, it was apparent I used to be getting fired, my final recreation Mangold is injured — like injured — and he involves me and says, ‘I am taking part in this recreation.’ And he went in and performed for me. That is what I keep in mind about this child. He was superior and simply approach too younger. I really feel so unhealthy for his spouse and household.”
Identified for his toughness and cerebral method, Mangold turned some of the adorned facilities within the NFL. He made seven Professional Bowls and was twice named a first-team All-Professional. In 2009, he was a chilled affect for rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, who overcame his turnover points to assist the Jets to the primary of two straight appearances within the AFC Championship Recreation.
Mangold was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022. The bearded Mangold, sporting his trademark backward baseball cap, punctuated his speech to the stadium by cracking open a can of beer — a lot to the delight of the group. He was seldom seen in public with out his backward baseball cap.
Greater than something, Mangold was identified for his toughness. He performed 5 straight years earlier than lacking his first recreation, and he wound up lacking solely 4 in his first 10 seasons. He missed eight video games with a foot damage in 2016 — his final NFL season.
“Nick was an important man in each facet … an all-time teammate and an important buddy … heartbroken for his household,” former Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick advised ESPN on Sunday.
After being launched by the Jets, Mangold drew curiosity from the Baltimore Ravens, however he determined to retire after 11 seasons with the Jets. He began 164 of 176 video games.
Mangold, who lived in New Jersey, turned an assistant soccer coach for Delbarton College in Morristown.
“You get to mould boys into males and educate the sport of soccer — but in addition educate them just a little bit about life as you go alongside,” Mangold advised the New York Put up in 2024.
Mangold is survived by his spouse, Jennifer, and their 4 youngsters Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte.
The Related Press contributed to this report.