Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at Age 41 from Complications of Kidney Disease

Former New York Jets and Ohio State center Nick Mangold died at age 41 on Saturday.

The Jets announced Sunday he died "from complications of kidney disease" and shared a comment from team chairman Woody Johnson.

"Nick was more than a legendary center," 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."

Earlier this month, Mangold posted on social media he was in need of a kidney and was undergoing dialysis. The message revealed he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2006.

"Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I'm reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities," he wrote in the message. "I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood."

Mangold was a First Team All-American and a national champion during his career at Ohio State before the Jets selected him in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft. He quickly established himself as one of the franchise's most important players and an offensive leader up front.

Over the course of his 11-year career, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler, two-time First-Team All-Pro selection and one-time All-Pro Second Team selection. His durability stood out, as he played all 16 games in seven of his seasons and at least 14 games in 10 of his 11 seasons.

He helped lead the Jets to three playoff appearances, including when they reached the AFC Championship Game back-to-back times during the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Rex Ryan was Mangold's head coach for much of his Jets career and was very emotional during ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown:

The Jets inducted Mangold into their Ring of Honor in June 2022 and honored him during halftime of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals in September of that year. 

"The bearded Mangold, wearing his trademark backward baseball cap, punctuated his speech to the stadium by cracking open a can of beer—much to the delight of the crowd," ESPN's Rich Cimini wrote. "He was seldom seen in public without his backward baseball cap."

Ohio State also inducted him into its Athletics Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2023.

Mangold moved one step closer to the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Wednesday when it was announced he was one of the 52 modern-era players to advance in the voting process.

He was one of 12 offensive linemen to advance.