CINCINNATI — Former Jets center Nick Mangold, who is in the team’s Ring of Honor, has died, the team announced on Sunday. He was 41.
Mangold’s death came nearly two weeks after he posted on social media that he was looking for a kidney transplant.
On Oct. 14, Mangold announced he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder, and he was undergoing kidney dialysis after initially being diagnosed in 2006.
“This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health,” Mangold said at the time.
Mangold asked for help from Jets and Ohio State fans because he couldn’t find a match who shared his blood type.
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” said Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended 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.”
