Former Jets Center Nick Mangold Passes Away at Age 41

The former Pro Bowl Center has passed away

Florham Park, NJ- The New York Jets have informed their fans and the entire NFL family that former Center Nick Mangold has passed away at the age of 41. He was diagnosed with a genetic defect that led to chronic kidney disease in 2006, early in his NFL career. Two weeks ago, Mangold publicly announced his condition and appealed to the Jets and Ohio State communities for a kidney donor with type O blood.

New York Jets Career

Nick Mangold was drafted by the Jets with D’Brickashaw Ferguson in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft. For ten years, Mangold was the Center for Chad Pennington, Brett Favre, Mark Sanchez, Geno Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and many more during his ten-year NFL Career, all with the Jets.

Went to two consecutive AFC Championship Games in 2009 & 2010 under head coach Rex Ryan at the Indianapolis Colts, and at the Pittsburgh Steelers. Mangold was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in the 2022 season.

Ohio State Career

Mangold spent all four seasons of College Football at The Ohio State University in the Big Ten. In his rookie season, he was the backup center to Alex Stepanovich, then took over the job in the next three seasons. The Centerville, Ohio, native impressed Offensive Line coach Jim Bollman with how he played the position.

 “Most guys you get out of high school have to be taught to play center. He already knew the mechanics of the position. That was a big, big advantage,” said Bollman

Honors

Nick Mangold earned All-Big Ten Conference Honorable Mention honors in 2004, when the coaching staff named Mangold Offensive Lineman of the Week seven times and Offensive Player of the Week vs. Northwestern. Mangold was again chosen second-team All-Big Ten in 2005. He finished his career with 33 starts in 45 games. Won the National Championship in 2002, First Team All-American in 2005, and Second Team All-Big Ten in 2005

In the NFL, he was two times First Team All-Pro in 2009 & 2010, Second Team All-Pro in 2011. Went to the Pro Bowl seven times 2008 through 2011, then from 2013 through 2015.. PFWA (Pro Football Writers Association) All-rookie team in 2006,

Nick was more than a legendary center,” said Jets Chairman Woody Johnson. “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.

“Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership,” said Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson. “For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His contributions on the field were extraordinary — but it was his character, humility, and humor off the field that made him unforgettable.”

“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.”

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