Former New York Jets All-Pro heart Nick Mangold died at the age of 41 due to complications of kidney disease, the crew announced on Sunday.
Mangold died on Saturday evening after battling persistent kidney disease for almost 19 years and was present process dialysis.
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets Chairman Woody Johnson mentioned in a statement. “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 information got here forward of the Jets’ recreation towards the Bengals in Cincinnati, the place the crew picked up their first win of the season in come-from-behind style.
After the sport, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn known as Mangold a “true Jet through and through.”
“He was the heart and soul of this team,” Glenn informed reporters. “…Prayers go out to him and his family. It’s tough to hear. It’s tough to hear because of who he was as a person. Him being a true Jet.”
On ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown,” Mangold’s former head coach, Rex Ryan, was emotional upon studying of his passsing.
“It’s brutal,” Ryan mentioned with Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Moss consoling him. “Such an ideal younger man. I had the pleasure of teaching him for all six years with the Jets.
“I remember it was obvious I was getting fired. My last game, Mangold’s injured. Like, injured. He comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome and just way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and family – rough.”
Earlier this month, he addressed his well being scenario in a plea posted on social media the place he appealed for a kidney donor.
“This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health,” the previous lineman said in an announcement addressed to the Jets and Ohio State University communities. Mangold gained a nationwide championship with the Buckeyes in 2002.
“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,” the 41-year-old wrote. “I at all times knew at the present time would come, however I believed I’d have had extra time.
“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. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
The Jets drafted Mangold within the first spherical of the 2006 NFL draft out of Ohio State.
“The Ohio State football program is saddened by the news of Nick Mangold’s passing and sends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends,” the Buckeyes said on Sunday.
The seven-time Pro Bowler performed all 11 seasons with the Jets, the place he was a two-time first-team All-Pro and made the second-team All-Pro as soon as. The franchise inducted Mangold into the crew’s Ring of Honor in 2022.
In September, Mangold was named as one of 128 modern-era gamers on the preliminary checklist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.
“On behalf of the entire Johnson family and the New York Jets organization, we offer our sincere condolences to Jenny, their four children — Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte — as well as to Nick’s extended family, friends, and all who loved him,” Johnson mentioned.
“Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet,” Johnson added.