Nick Mangold, the Jets’ celebrated center and one of the all-time greats to wear the Green & White during and after his playing career, passed away from complications of kidney disease Saturday night. He was 41.
“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.”
Mangold recently posted a letter on social media that detailed his battle with kidney disease that, “atter a rough summer,” required him to undergo dialysis treatments.
“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease,” Mangold wrote in his letter addressed to “My NY Jets community.” “I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time.”
Mangold expressed his gratitude for his family, “who have been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”
Today all of those communities Mangold addressed are mourning his passing and celebrating No. 74’s legacy as a Jets Legend.
“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.”
Mangold began to bond with the Green & White family as soon as he arrived as the 29th selection of the first round of the 2006 draft out of Ohio State. Combining forces with LT D’Brickashaw Ferguson, the fourth selection of that draft, Mangold led the transformation of the Jets’ O-line into a stable platform that helped produce three playoff teams, including two AFC Championship Game units, and four winning teams from 2006-10.
Being the rock in the middle of the line was more than just a saying. Mangold stepped into the pivot from day one in ’06 and snapped the ball to every Jets quarterback until late in the 2016 season. He started and played in every Jets game from ’06 until early in 2011, 89 games including seven playoff games, until a high ankle sprain sustained early that season against Jacksonville sidelined him for the first time as a pro.
Two games later, he returned to the lineup to start the next 59 games before missing another. In all he started 171 games for the Jets, including those seven postseason contests.
Mangold was named first-team All-Pro after his 2009 and ’10 seasons, second-team All-Pro in ’11, and was voted to the AFC Pro Bowl rosters after the 2008-11 and ’13-15 seasons. His seven Pro Bowl selections are one shy of the franchise record held by Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle Winston Hill, Mangold’s Ring of Honor teammate.
Mangold’s induction announcement into the team’s Ring of Honor was made June 2, 2022, simultaneously with the announcements of the inductions of Ferguson and CB Darrelle Revis into the Ring. Mangold was honored at his own MetLife Stadium halftime ceremony during Game 3 against Cincinnati on Sept. 25, 2022.
Last week, Mangold was among the 52 Modern-Era players who cleared the second hurdle toward becoming a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. In about five weeks, that list will be reduced to 25 semifinalists, then to 20 finalists, then to the Hall’s four to eight newest members, which will be announced the day before Super Bowl LX.
Ever since his retirement following the 2016 season, Nick and his famous beard, flowing blond locks and uniform number 74 that he made famous as a Jets player were seen at any number of team and fan events.
Mangold, a Centerville, Ohio, native, started his Jets journey with the club on Long Island two decades ago, transitioned with the team to New Jersey in 2008 and planted his family’s flag down the street.
“Being able to finish out my career here, being able to play for only one team is something really special to me,” Mangold said last November. “It’s a great team to be a part of. This fan base is as passionate as they come, loyal as all get-out.”
He was a mainstay on the Jets scene for the past two decades and members of his family and the Green & White community he spoke so fondly of today are mourning the loss of one of the best centers and players and ambassadors in franchise history.
“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,” said Woody Johnson.
“Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet.”
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