Longtime New York Jets center Nick Mangold died at the age of 41 on Saturday night.
The Jets confirmed that Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro during his 11 seasons with the team, passed away from complications of kidney disease. Less than two weeks ago, he penned a letter saying he was in need of a kidney transplant and searching for possible donors.
In the letter, Mangold noted that he was diagnosed with a genetic defect that led to chronic kidney disease in 2006, the year he was selected 29th overall by the Jets in the NFL Draft, and that he was undergoing dialysis.
“After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” the letter reads in part. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time.”
He had even posted a link for fans to find out whether they were a match to donate a kidney.
“While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead,” Mangold’s letter to “My NY Jets community” concluded. “I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium very soon.”
Jets Chairman Woody Johnson called Mangold “more than a legendary center” in a statement regarding his passing.
“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,” Johnson said. “Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”
After being drafted in 2006, Mangold started and played in every Jets game until early 2011 — 89 straight games — when he suffered a high ankle sprain. He missed just two games due to that injury, and started another 59 in a row before missing another.
In total, the Centerville, Ohio, native made 171 appearances for the Jets, and the team inducted him into their Ring of Honor in 2022. Just last week, Mangold was named among the 52 modern-era NFL players who cleared the second hurdle towards becoming a member of the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
He is survived by his wife Jenny and four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte.
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