The football world is mourning the loss of Nick Mangold, the longtime New York Jets center and one of the most respected linemen of his generation, who passed away on October 25, 2025, at the age of 41 due to complications from kidney disease.

Mangold was drafted 29th overall by the Jets in the 2006 NFL Draft after a standout career at Ohio State, where he earned All-American honors. He quickly became the anchor of New York’s offensive line, starting every game from his rookie season through 2016. Over his 11-year career, Mangold earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was named a first-team All-Pro twice, in 2009 and 2010. He played a pivotal role in the Jets’ playoff runs during the late 2000s, including back-to-back AFC Championship appearances in 2009 and 2010.

Off the field, Mangold was known for his wit, humility, and unwavering loyalty to the Jets community. In 2022, he was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor, cementing his place among the franchise’s all-time greats. His bond with teammates, especially fellow lineman D’Brickashaw Ferguson, was emblematic of the brotherhood he helped foster in the locker room.

Mangold had been battling a genetic kidney condition since 2006, and earlier this month made a public plea for a transplant, revealing he was undergoing dialysis and in urgent need of a donor. His openness and vulnerability in sharing his health struggles touched fans and fellow players alike.

Jets owner Woody Johnson called Mangold “the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade,” and tributes poured in from across the NFL. Mangold leaves behind his wife Jennifer and their four children. His legacy as a player, teammate, and person will endure far beyond the gridiron.

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