The New York Jets lost a true hero this weekend. Nick Mangold, the star center who played for the team from 2006 to 2016, died on Saturday night at age 41. The cause was problems from kidney disease, the Jets said in a sad statement.
Mangold was a big part of Jets history. Fans picked him in the first round of the 2006 draft right out of Ohio State. He started every game for 10 years and only missed four in that time. He went to seven Pro Bowls and earned two All-Pro spots. His strong play helped the Jets reach the AFC title games in 2009 and 2010. He teamed up with tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson to make one of the best lines in team history. In 2022, the Jets put him in their Ring of Honor.
Just last week, Mangold made it to the next round for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. But his health fight stole the spotlight. Back on October 14, he shared online that he had a rare gene problem causing kidney issues since 2006. He started dialysis after a hard summer and asked fans for help finding a kidney donor. Sadly, a transplant never came.
“We are heartbroken,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said. “Nick was more than a great player. He was the heart of our line for a decade. His smarts, kindness, and loyalty touched everyone. He will stay in our Jets family forever.” Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson added, “Nick showed real strength and led by example. We miss him already.”
The news hit hard before the Jets’ game Sunday against the Bengals in Cincinnati. It was their first win this season, a close 27-24 comeback. Players felt Mangold’s spirit. Head coach Aaron Glenn called him “a true Jet through and through.” Kicker Nick Folk, who played with him, cried in the locker room. “He was with us out there,” Folk said. Wide receiver Garrett Wilson posted on X: “Rest easy, big man. You inspired us all.”
Former coach Rex Ryan shared a touching story on TV. He told how Mangold once played hurt in a big game, hiding his pain to keep the team strong. “That was Nick—tough but always for his brothers,” Ryan said with tears. Damien Woody, a past teammate, spoke on ESPN: “He made us better every day.” Even Pat McAfee tweeted: “The world lost a good guy and a legendary beard.”
Mangold grew up in Ohio, near where the game was played. Ohio State said: “We send love to his family and friends.” He leaves behind his wife Jenny and kids Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. They live in New Jersey, where he coached kids’ football after retiring.
Off the field, Mangold was fun and giving. His long hair and beard made him easy to spot. He dressed as Santa for team events, helped charities, and even finished his college degree in 2019. Fans loved his jokes on shows like Howard Stern.
The NFL world is in shock. Tributes pour in from players, coaches, and fans. One X post said: “This win is for you, Nick.” As the Jets heal, Mangold’s story reminds us to fight hard and care deep. Rest in peace, No. 74. Your green and white light shines on.