Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold dies at 41

Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold passed away Saturday night at the age of 41, the team announced. He passed due to complications with kidney disease.

Mangold, who played at Ohio State from 2002-2005 before being drafted by the New York Jets (where he played from 2006-2019), revealed that he was diagnosed with a genetic defect that led to chronic kidney disease in 2006.

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

Mangold played his entire career with the Jets from 2006-16. He was named First-Team All-Pro twice (2009, ’10), Second-Team All-Pro in 2011 and was a seven-time Pro Bowler during his time. He played during the Jets’ runs to the AFC Championship Game in back to back seasons during the heyday under Rex Ryan.

Mangold was also inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor following a successful career in the pros. He was also a stud in college at Ohio State, winning a national title in 2002, which eventually turned him into a No. 29 overall pick in 2006.

Last week, Mangold was amogn the 52 Modern-Era players who cleared the second hurdle towards becoming a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026. He has a chance to be enshrined as the process moves along.

“Being able to finish out my career here, being able to play for only one team is something really special to me,” Mangold said last November. “It’s a great team to be a part of. This fan base is as passionate as they come, loyal as all get-out.”

His No. 74 is synonymous with the Jets’ green and white. Mangold is a legend in franchise history and will be remembered fondly.

“On behalf of the entire Johnson family and the New York Jets organization, we offer our sincere condolences to Jenny, their four children — Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte — as well as to Nick’s extended family, friends, and all who loved him,” Johnson said. “Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet.”