Former Jets center Nick Mangold tragically passes away at age 41

Justin Fried

New York Jets center Nick Mangold / Jamie Squire/GettyImages

Nick Mangold, one of the most beloved players in New York Jets history, has passed away at the age of 41. The team announced his death Sunday morning, confirming that Mangold died Saturday night due to complications from chronic kidney disease.

Mangold had publicly shared earlier this month that he was battling a genetic kidney condition that had worsened in recent years. He had begun dialysis and was actively seeking a living donor, appealing to the Jets and Ohio State communities for help.

Jets owner Woody Johnson issued the following statement about Mangold's passing.

"Nick was more than a legendary center. 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."
Woody Johnson

Mangold’s impact stretched far beyond his play on the field. He was a leader in the locker room, a face of the franchise during its most competitive stretch in recent memory, and a constant presence in the New York community long after his playing days ended.

Known for his humor and lovable, down-to-earth personality, Mangold remained a fan favorite and a fixture at team events and alumni gatherings.

Mangold was drafted 29th overall in the 2006 NFL Draft and spent his entire 11-year career with the Jets. A seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Mangold anchored one of the league’s best offensive lines during the franchise’s peak years under Rex Ryan, helping lead the team to back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in 2009 and 2010.

He was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022 at halftime of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team's Week 8 opponent today.

Mangold leaves behind a legacy defined by toughness, leadership, and loyalty. His death is a devastating loss for the Jets organization, former teammates, and fans who considered him the heart of the team for more than a decade.

RIP Nick Mangold. Our thoughts and best wishes go out to the entire Mangold family. A devastating loss for the Jets community.

Justin Fried

Justin Fried is an editor for FanSided who has over seven years of experience covering the NFL and various other sports. A diehard Jets fan since birth, Justin has served as the editor for The Jet Press since 2019, interviewing athletes such as Sauce Gardner, Curtis Martin, LaDainian Tomlinson, Joe Klecko, and many others. Justin has also worked closely with brands like Red Bull to help highlight the niche sectors of the sporting world. His four-part series on the sport of breaking remains one of his proudest pieces of work. In his spare time, Justin is an avid pro wrestling fan who is fortunate enough to have traveled to nearly 30 different countries.