October 26, 2025 – Nick Mangold, the former star center for the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41 following complications from kidney disease. Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, had bravely battled chronic kidney disease after being diagnosed with a genetic defect in 2006. In a public message shared earlier this month, Mangold revealed he was undergoing dialysis while searching for a kidney donor.
Jets chairman Woody Johnson expressed deep sorrow, describing Mangold as not just a legendary center but the “heartbeat of our offensive line” during his decade-long career with the team. “His leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football,” Johnson said. Mangold’s wit and warmth off the field made him a cherished member of the Jets’ extended family.
Drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Mangold played 164 regular-season games, all of them as a starter. He was part of the NFL’s All-Rookie Team in 2006, earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2009 and 2010, and was inducted into the Ohio State Athletic Hall of Fame in 2023. Mangold is among the 52 modern-era candidates being considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
After retiring in 2017, Mangold was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022, solidifying his legacy as one of the franchise’s greatest players.
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