Mary Gilmore, Staff Writer
On October 25, 2025, the death of Nick Mangold rocked the New York Jets community. Mangold was a legendary center for the team’s offensive line from 2006 to 2016. He passed away at age 41 due to complications from kidney disease.
Nick Mangold was drafted 29th overall by the Jets in the 2006 NFL draft, becoming the first Ohio State center ever selected in the first round. From his first moment on the field, Mangold proved that was a good decision. He started for the Jets every game for 11 years, excluding 12 games he could not attend due to injuries.
Mangold earned seven Pro Bowl selections and was named first-team All-Pro in both 2009 and 2010. He was essential for the Jets offensive line during their back-to-back AFC Championship Game appearances in 2009 and 2010.
His head coach at the time was Rex Ryan. Ryan was visibly shaken and emotional by the passing of Mangold. In a heartfelt statement to reporters, Ryan reflected on Mangold’s toughness, intelligence, and leadership. “In my last game, Mangold’s injured. And he comes to me and says ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about that kid.”
Ryan ended his statement with a touching phrase, “Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet.”
Mangold was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor and remained a vocal ambassador for the team long after his retirement in 2016.
Just weeks before his death, Mangold had publicly shared his health struggles. He revealed that he had a rare genetic disorder that required a kidney transplant. On social media, Mangold wrote, “I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.” Mangold directed anybody willing to find out if they were a match to a Columbia University website about kidney donations.
Unfortunately, he did not receive a match in time. Just hours before the Jets were set to kickoff and play against the Bengals, his death hit the news. This came as a shock to everyone, as his request on social media was recent.
The Bengals game then became one of the most emotionally charged games in recent history for the Jets. Players wore tribute decals and chants of, “Win for Nick!” filled the stadium. The Jets managed to defeat the Bengals 39-38. Jets kicker Nick Folk, who played with Mangold, summed up the sentiment, “At the end, he was there with us.”
This marked the first win of the season for the Jets, a heartfelt moment for a team and fanbase in mourning. Many players and fans alike stated that the Bengals win was a tribute to a man who embodied the grit and heart of the franchise.
Nick Mangold may be gone, but his legacy lives on. The teammates and people whose lives he touched will continue to carry his spirit, and number 74 will echo through the Jets community for generations.
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