Nick Mangold health struggles explored as former New York Jets star dies weeks after pleading for kidney transplant

Beloved ex-New York Jets star Nick Mangold passed away after a prolonged battle with a chronic kidney disease. The offensive lineman was the franchise's most iconic figures and his death comes at the heels of his public request for a kidney donor merely 12 days ago.

Woody Johnson, owner of the New York Jets, issued a moving statement shortly after the news broke. He wrote,

“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.”

The 41-year-old offensive lineman first appeared in the Jets colors in 2006 and it wasn't long before he endeared himself to the franchise and the fans.

His iconic flowing blonde hair, backwards hat and a bushy beard was soon synonymous with the Jets. Mangold spent 11 seasons with the franchise and played the Pro Bowl seven times.

Nick Mangold's Health Struggles Explored

Nick's battle with the disease was a long drawn one. On October 14, he announced that he was diagnosed with genetic defect in 2006. The defect eventually led to the kidney ailment. In the statement, he wrote about having a 'rough summer' and reflected on his diagnosis,

“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.”

Over the course of his illustrious career, Nick Mangold was no stranger to injuries. In 2018, in a match against arch rivals New England Patriots, the burly lineman suffered a serious neck injury after a collision with Patriots' linebacker Jamie Collins.

The injury ended up with him lying motionless on his stomach. However, remaining true to his character, he prepared for his next match against Oakland and said,

“I feel like, unless I’m lying there bleeding out, I’ll be able to play at any point in time. Without that mentality, I don’t think I’d be where I am today.”

Former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan broke down while speaking about Mangold. He said, in part,

“It’s brutal. Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets...”

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Nick Mangold hung his football boots in 2018 and was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022. He is survived by his wife Jenny and their four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte.

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