Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold, one of the franchise’s most beloved players and a cornerstone of its offensive line for more than a decade, has died following complications from kidney disease. He was 41.
The Jets announced the news Sunday (Oct. 26), less than two weeks after Mangold revealed that he was battling a rare genetic disorder and undergoing kidney dialysis. In an October 14 post, the seven-time Pro Bowler shared that he was in urgent need of a kidney donor, adding that none of his family members were a match.
Jets owner Woody Johnson paid tribute to Mangold in a statement, calling him “the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade” and “a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football.”
Drafted in the first round out of Ohio State in 2006, Mangold quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier centers. He formed a dominant partnership with left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, affectionately dubbed “Nick & Brick” by fans, anchoring an offensive front that powered the Jets to back-to-back AFC Championship appearances under coach Rex Ryan.
Beyond his on-field dominance, Mangold’s larger-than-life personality made him a fan favorite. During his 2022 Jets Ring of Honor induction, he famously cracked open a beer at midfield while addressing the crowd, a moment that perfectly captured his blend of grit and humor.
After retiring, Mangold devoted himself to coaching youth football in New Jersey, saying he wanted 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 is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte.