On October 26, the NFL community learned that New York Jets legend Nick Mangold passed away at the young age of 41.
Mangold, a former national champion at Ohio State, was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. He only played for New York until he retired. Unfortunately, he announced in mid-October that he was in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.
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“This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health. In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” Mangold wrote. “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 community. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
Less than two weeks later, Mangold died from complications of kidney disease.
Oct 17, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New York Jets center Nick Mangold (74) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Jets 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Mangold’s burial took place this Tuesday in New Jersey. One of his former teammates, longtime kicker Jay Feely, posted a photo from the funeral.
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“We will miss you my friend,” Feely wrote on X.
There was a sign at the funeral that had this message about Mangold: “More than a legend – a man of faith, family and service.”
The legacy of Nick Mangold.
Mangold finished his NFL career as a seven-time Pro Bowler. In 2022, the Jets officially inducted him into their Ring of Honor. There’s a serious argument for him to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
“A lot of people come up and tell me, ‘You’re the best center to ever play’ … and it’s hard for me to receive that because I know in my heart that Nick Mangold at his best was 10 times the player I ever was,” Jason Kelce said. “I could never be that dominant at the center position. Nick was phenomenal.”
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It’s worth noting that Mangold is a modern-era semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
Make no mistake, NFL fans will be pulling for Mangold to earn a spot in Canton.
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Nov 4, 2025, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.