Former Jets center Nick Mangold dies at 41, less than two weeks after announcing he had kidney disease

CINCINNATI — Jets legend Nick Mangold died Saturday night of complications from kidney disease, the team announced. Mangold was 41.

“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 posted a letter on social media less than two weeks ago announcing that he had been battling a kidney disease since 2006 and was in need of a transplant. He detailed that it had been “a rough summer” and that he was undergoing dialysis and looking for a 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,” Mangold’s social media post read. “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.”

A first-round pick in 2006, Mangold spent his entire 11-year career playing center for the Jets. He started 164 games, anchoring their offensive line. He was the center on the Jets’ last two playoff teams as they reached the AFC Championship Game in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Former Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who drafted Mangold in 2006, posted a statement on his verified X account.

“Absolutely devastating news; Nick was a great player, but an even better person” he wrote. “He was one of the best leaders on so many great teams, who was consistently positive, yet incredibly competitive. A very special person who’s gone way too soon.”

Mangold made seven Pro Bowls and was a two-time first-team All-Pro and one-time second-team All-Pro. He was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.

Rex Ryan, Mangold’s former coach and a current ESPN analyst, fought through tears while talking about Mangold on “Sunday NFL Countdown.”

“It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets [from 2009-14]. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured — like, injured — and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.

“That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome. And it’s just way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and family. [This is] rough.”

Former Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, posted on X: “I was fortunate to have the opportunity to lace them up with you every Sunday. I will miss you and forever cherish our moments in the locker room. Love you buddy. Rest in Paradise, Nick.”

Jets coach Aaron Glenn was a scout for the Jets when Mangold was drafted and was saddened by the news of his passing.

“He was the heart and soul of this team,” Glenn said after the Jets’ 39-38 win over the Bengals on Sunday. “It’s always tough to hear that, especially a guy that’s a true Jet, through and through, and that made his appearance felt. Prayers go out to him and his family. That’s tough to hear, it’s tough to hear because of who he was as a person, him being a true Jet. Prayers go out to him and his family.”

Jets receiver Garrett Wilson, who like Mangold played at Ohio State, expressed his condolences on X.

Wilson wrote: “RIP Nick Mangold. A great Buckeye and Jet. I am devastated to hear this and will hold on to the insight you’ve given me over these past few years. RIP Legend, you will be missed.”

Jets guard/center Joe Tippmann, who was drafted in 2023, said Mangold was very helpful, giving him advice about playing center. Tippmann wanted the Jets to win Sunday for Mangold.

“The whole pregame and everything, I had him in my prayers,” Tippmann said. “I wanted to go out there and win this for him. The way he welcomed me when I got drafted being a center, playing center, open arms with anything all the time. To lose a great man like that, my heart goes out to his family.”

Jets vice chairman Christopher Johnson said in a statement, “Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership. 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, a native of Centerville, Ohio, is survived by his wife, Jenny, and their four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte.

By Al Iannazzone

al.iannazzone@newsday.comAl_Iannazzone

Al Iannazzone covers the Jets for Newsday after spending nearly two decades on the NBA beat with Knicks and Nets.