“Nick was more than a legendary center,” said Jets Chairman Woody Johnson in a press release. “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.”
The Cincinnati Bengals held a moment of silence for Mangold before their game against the Jets on Sunday in Cincinnati.
Mangold announced on social media earlier this month he was in need of a kidney transplant.
“This isn’t an easy message to share,” Mangold wrote, “but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health.
We are heartbroken to share the news of Nick Mangold’s sudden passing.
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 26, 2025
Credit: Julio Cortez
Credit: Julio Cortez
“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.
“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.”
At the time of his post, Mangold thanked his family in his social media post for being his “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,” he wrote. “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.”
Mangold was inducted into Ohio State’s hall of fame in 2023. He committed to Ohio State in July 2001 before his senior year at Alter.
“It’s tough to look back,” Alter coach Ed Domsitz said at the time, “but he’s probably the best lineman I have had in 25 years (of coaching). I’ve told the coaches who were recruiting him, there’s no downside to Nick. He’s an excellent student, and he’s what you hope to have in a leader.”
Mangold chose Ohio State over Notre Dame.
“I live and die scarlet and gray,” Mangold said in 2001. “Just about everything I own is somehow related to Buckeye stuff.”
Mangold was part of the same freshman class as Piqua defensive tackle Quinn Pitcock and Centerville linebacker A.J. Hawk .
Mangold was a freshman when Ohio State won a national championship in 2002. He earned significant playing time that season as a backup on the offensive line and even played two series in a 14-9 victory against Michigan.
“That was amazing,” Mangold said then. “I remember a year ago just sitting in my house watching the game. It never really dawned on me that there was a slight chance I could play in it.”
Mangold looked back on the experience of winning a national title — the Buckeyes upset Miami in the Fiesta Bowl — when he was a senior in 2005.
“There’s no better way to finish off a national championship than in a game like that — hard fought, two overtimes, everyone drained," he said. “I remember being with a bunch of guys in the middle of the field, hugging, trying to soak it all in. I remember coming back to Centerville, seeing how many people had block O’s on their clothing, seeing the look of excitement on so many people’s faces and realizing how much it meant to so many people. And I think the further and further away from it you get, the more you appreciate just how special it was.”
Mangold started the next three years and was an All-Big Ten second team selection as a senior in 2005.
In 2006, the Jets drafted Mangold with the 29th pick of the first round.
“We watched this kid take his first steps, watched him ride a bike and go off to school,” his father Vern said then, “but this was the most nerve-wracking thing I’ve ever been through in my life. When (the Jets) called, Nick was talking in muffled tones. And when his name popped up on the TV screen, it felt like a walk-off home run.”
Mangold was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection with the Jets. He retired in 2018. He was a first-team All-Pro in 2009 and 2010.
“Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership,” said Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson in a press release. “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.”
Many people paid tribute to Mangold on Sunday.
“I thought we had more time,” former Ohio State teammate Bobby Carpenter wrote on X, “but I’m grateful for the 23 years I knew you, Nick Mangold. Great player, great teammate. But the best dude you could imagine. You left a giant hole in the world.”
“Nick Mangold was everything you could wish for as a teammate, player, son, friend, husband, father, and American,” former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel wrote on X. “Loyal, hard-working, selfless, caring, and loving. Our hearts go out to the entire Mangold-Buckeye-Jet families. Love that man. We lost a great one.”
Alter High School released a statement that read, “With heavy hearts we mourn the passing of a role model on and off the field: Nick Mangold. His strength, leadership and humility made him a champion in every sense. We hold his family, friends and teammates in our prayers.”
Sports Reporter David Jablonski contributed to this report.