NFL fans are in shock.

Just two weeks after revealing he was battling kidney disease, New York Jets legend Nick Mangold has died at just 41 years old.

Diagnosed in 2006
Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold, one of the most beloved players in team history, passed away on October 26, the team confirmed.

The Ohio native had recently opened up on social media about battling chronic kidney disease caused by a genetic defect. On Tuesday, October 14, Mangold posted a heartfelt letter addressed to his former teams and communities.

“To my NY Jets & Ohio State Buckeye communities,

This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health.

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. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

”

Nick Mangold #74 of the New York Jets looks on from the sideline during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 9, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Jets 31-13. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
He explained that no family members were able to donate a kidney, prompting him to reach out to his wider community for help:

“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”

Mangold also reflected on the support he had received from friends and family throughout his battle:

“Most of all, I’m thankful for my 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.

How he became a center
While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon.
With Gratitude, Nick Mangold.”

Nick Mangold’s journey to becoming one of the NFL’s top centers began in seventh grade. When the center on his junior high team broke his hand, the coach urgently needed someone to snap the ball.

“I said, ‘Shoot, I’ll try,’” Mangold told the AP in 2009. “I’ve been a center ever since.”

A beloved figure both on and off the field, Mangold spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with the Jets. He was known for his sharp sense of humor and keeping his teammates entertained. He often strolled through the Jets locker room wearing a plush green robe embroidered with his name and jersey number, 74.

“Nick was a jokester man, he always kept everything funny,” former teammate Damien Woody told New York Post. “He always had those one-liners that would get you in the moment. Man, he was just such a great dude. He was a family guy that would give you the shirt off his back. You couldn’t ask for a better man, a better teammate.”

The 6-foot, 305-pound center earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro in consecutive years, 2009 and 2010.

In 2010, he became the highest-paid player at his position when he signed a seven-year contract with the New York Jets, potentially worth up to $55 million.

Inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor

After retiring in 2016, he was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022 — a lasting tribute to one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Jets owner Woody Johnson released a statement paying tribute to Mangold’s legacy:

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

Mangold is survived by his wife, Jenny, and their four children: Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte.