Nick Mangold, the former New York Jets center who anchored one of the most dominant offensive lines in franchise history, died Saturday night, October 25, 2025, from complications of kidney disease. He was 41 years old.
The seven-time Pro Bowl selection had been battling chronic kidney disease stemming from a genetic defect diagnosed in 2006, the same year he entered the NFL. On October 14, Mangold had posted a letter on social media revealing that after a difficult summer, he was undergoing dialysis treatments while searching for a kidney transplant donor.
Jets Chairman Woody Johnson expressed the organization’s grief in a statement, noting that “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.”
The Centerville, Ohio, native arrived in New York as the 29th overall selection in the 2006 draft out of Ohio State. He immediately became the foundation of the Jets’ offensive line, partnering with left tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson, who was selected fourth overall in that same draft. Together, they helped transform the unit into one of the league’s most reliable fronts.
Mangold’s durability became legendary during his 11-year career with the Jets. He started every game from his 2006 rookie season through early 2011, a streak of 89 consecutive games including seven playoff contests. A high ankle sprain against Jacksonville in 2011 marked the first time he missed action as a professional. After returning two games later, he started 59 more consecutive games before missing another.
Over his career, Mangold started 171 games for New York, including all seven of his playoff appearances. His excellence earned him first-team All-Pro honors following the 2009 and 2010 seasons, and second-team recognition in 2011. He was selected to the AFC Pro Bowl rosters after the 2008 through 2011 and 2013 through 2015 seasons. His seven Pro Bowl selections place him one shy of the franchise record held by Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle Winston Hill.
Former teammate Ferguson reflected on their bond, noting that “A big part of our lives were spent on that field.” He described attending Mangold’s wedding and sharing numerous family events together beyond their time as teammates.
Linebacker Bart Scott, who played alongside Mangold from 2009 to 2012 during the team’s most successful stretch, described his former center as representing the best qualities of professionalism, humility, and performance. Scott particularly praised Mangold’s ability to recognize everyone’s value and willingness to meet people where they were.
Following his retirement after the 2016 season, Mangold signed a one-day contract with the Jets in 2018 to officially retire as a member of the organization. He remained deeply connected to the franchise, becoming a fixture at team events and fan gatherings. His distinctive appearance, featuring a prominent beard and flowing blond hair, made him instantly recognizable to Jets supporters long after his playing days ended.
On June 2, 2022, the Jets announced Mangold’s induction into the team’s Ring of Honor alongside Ferguson and cornerback Darrelle Revis. Mangold received his individual halftime ceremony at MetLife Stadium on September 25, 2022, during the team’s game against Cincinnati.
Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson indicated that Mangold embodied consistency, strength, and leadership for over a decade, anchoring the offensive line with skill and determination that earned respect from teammates, opponents, and fans. Johnson emphasized that while Mangold’s on-field contributions were extraordinary, his character, humility, and humor off the field made him truly unforgettable.
In his social media letter posted earlier this month, Mangold had written that he always knew the day would come when he would need dialysis and a transplant, but thought he would have more time. He expressed gratitude for his family, describing them as his rock through every step of the difficult journey.
Last week, Mangold was named among 52 Modern-Era players advancing toward potential selection for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026. That list will be narrowed to 25 semifinalists in approximately five weeks, then to 20 finalists, before the final selection of four to eight new members is announced the day before Super Bowl LX.
Mangold is survived by his wife, Jenny, and their four children: Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. The Jets organization extended condolences to the entire Mangold family, with Chairman Johnson noting that Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet.
