CINCINNATI — Jets legend Nick Mangold died on Saturday night from complications of kidney disease just two weeks after he publicly revealed he needed a kidney transplant.
Mangold was 41 years old. On Oct. 14, Mangold announced that he had been diagnosed in 2006 with a genetic defect that led to chronic kidney disease. He said he had a “rough summer” and was undergoing dialysis while seeking a kidney transplant.
“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” Mangold said in a statement.
Former Jets center Nick Mangold has died at the age of 41. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Nick Mangold (74) played for the Jets from 2006-2016. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post
Nick Mangold and his family when the Jets inducted him into their Ring of Honor in 2022. Michael Simon / Shutterstock
Mangold, who played center, was a first-round pick by the Jets in 2006. He went on to be one of the key pieces in a team that went to the playoffs three times and made it to two AFC Championship Games. He was a two-time first-team All-Pro selection and seven-time Pro Bowler.
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets chairman Woody Johnson said. “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.”
Nick Mangold holds his daughter, Eloise, as he announces his retirement from the Jets on April 24, 2018. Bill Kostroun/New York Post
Nick Mangold with his wife Jennifer and their children. Nick Mangold
Nick Mangold with his wife Jennifer and their children. Nick Mangold
Mangold retired after the 2016 season and was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022. The Jets are facing the Bengals on Sunday in Cincinnati, not far from where Mangold grew up in Centerville, Ohio. He later starred at Ohio State.
He is survived by his wife, Jenny, and their four children — Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte.