In a shocking turn that has left the NFL world reeling, former New York Jets All-Pro center Nick Mangold has passed away at the age of 41, succumbing to complications from a long battle with chronic kidney disease. The news, confirmed by the Jets organization late Saturday night, comes just two weeks after Mangold’s poignant public plea for a kidney donor, which had rallied fans and fellow players in a desperate bid to save his life. Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowler and the iron anchor of New York’s offensive line for a decade, leaves behind a legacy of grit, leadership, and quiet heroism—both on the gridiron and in his personal fight against illness.
Mangold’s death was announced in a somber statement from Jets owner Woody Johnson: “Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership. For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. Off the field, his wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.” The team revealed that Mangold had been undergoing dialysis treatments since a “rough summer,” as he described in a heartfelt social media letter just weeks ago. Diagnosed with a rare genetic kidney disorder nearly two decades earlier, the Ohio State product had kept his struggles largely private until his condition worsened dramatically this fall.
Selected first overall in the 2006 NFL Draft out of the Buckeyes, Mangold quickly became the cornerstone of the Jets’ offense, forming the legendary “Nick & Brick” duo with left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Over 11 seasons in green and white, he started 164 games, earned two First-Team All-Pro nods, and led the line during two memorable AFC Championship runs under Rex Ryan. Inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022, Mangold was a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame—named just last week to the initial 128-player list for the Class of 2026. Even in retirement since 2016, he remained a fixture at team events, his flowing beard and No. 74 jersey a nostalgic symbol of Jets pride.
The outpouring of grief began almost immediately, but it was Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell who ignited what has become a profound, league-wide tribute. Campbell, known for his raw emotion and blue-collar ethos, choked up during a pre-practice presser on Sunday, his voice cracking as he addressed Mangold’s passing. “Nick was one of the toughest sons of bitches I ever lined up against,” Campbell said, wiping away tears. “You talk about a guy who fought through pain like no one else—on the field, and now this. He didn’t quit. Ever. So today, and every day this week, we’re playing for Nick. Every snap, every hit—it’s for him. The whole league should do the same. Raise your damn helmets.”
Campbell’s words struck a chord, sparking a cascade of solidarity across the NFL. Players from every team donned Mangold’s No. 74 on practice jerseys Monday morning, a gesture organized spontaneously via group chats among current and former centers. The NFL Players Association announced an immediate donation drive for kidney disease research, seeded with $1 million from commissioner Roger Goodell. “Nick’s story reminds us that our warriors fight battles we can’t see,” Goodell said in a statement. “His courage unites us.”
Tributes poured in from all corners. Rex Ryan, Mangold’s former coach, called him “the heart and soul of our teams,” while ex-teammate Nick Folk was seen in tears post-Jets game Sunday, whispering, “He was there with us at the end.” Jets coach Aaron Glenn echoed the sentiment: “A true Jet through and through. Prayers to his family—it’s tough because of who he was as a person.” Even rivals joined in: Tom Brady posted an Instagram video of their 2010 AFC clash, captioning it, “The best center I faced. Rest easy, brother.” And in a touching nod, Ohio State coach Ryan Day halted Buckeyes practice to honor their alum, with players forming a 74-yard prayer circle on the field.
Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four young children—Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte—all under 10. In his final letter, he wrote of teaching them resilience: “Life’s a long game—play it with heart.” As the league pauses for a moment of silence before tonight’s Lions-Vikings matchup—where Campbell vows to “hit extra hard for Nick”—one truth resonates: Mangold didn’t just protect quarterbacks; he guarded the human spirit.
In the end, as Campbell put it, “Nick showed us how to go out swinging.” The NFL—and a grateful nation—will never forget.
