Nick Mangold cause of death: How has New York Jets player died at the age of 41? Check NFL legend's final message to fans

Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold, one of the franchise's most popular and decorated players who helped lead the team to the AFC championship game twice, has died, the team announced Sunday. He was 41. The Jets said in a statement on social media that Mangold died Saturday night from complications of kidney disease. Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four children Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte.

Mangold's death comes less than two weeks after the two-time All-Pro selection announced on social media that he had kidney disease and needed a transplant. He said he didn't have any relatives who were able to donate, so he went public with the request for a donor with type O blood.

Nick Mangold Final Message

“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” he wrote in a October 14 message directed to the Jets and Ohio State communities.


“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 wrote.

Mangold said he was diagnosed with a genetic defect in 2006 that led to chronic kidney disease. He was on dialysis while waiting for a transplant.

“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.”

The Jets, looking for their first win of the season, announced the news about an hour before kickoff of their game against the Cincinnati Bengals. Mangold grew up in Centerville, Ohio — about 45 miles north of Cincinnati.

Nick Mangold Stats, Achievements

Mangold was a first-round draft pick of the Jets in 2006 out of Ohio State and was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He helped lead New York within one win of the Super Bowl during both the 2009 and 2010 seasons and was enshrined in the Jets’ ring of honor in 2022.

Mangold was the anchor of New York's offensive line his entire playing career, with all 11 seasons spent with the Jets. He started every game during his first five seasons and missed only four games in his first 10 years before an ankle injury limited his final season, 2016, to eight games.

Mangold was released by the team in 2017 and didn't play that season. The following year, he signed a one-day contract with the Jets to officially retire as a member of the team.

Mangold's No. 74 jersey remained a popular one for fans to wear at games, even nine years after playing his final NFL game.

His long, blond hair and bushy beard made him instantly recognizable and his gritty, outstanding play on the field made him a fan favorite. He was active with charitable events and often dressed as Santa Claus for the team's holiday celebrations for children.

FAQs

Q1. What is age of Nick Mangold?
A1. Nick Mangold was 41-year-old.

Q2. What is Nick Mangold's jersey number?
A2. Nick Mangold's No. 74 jersey remained a popular one for fans to wear at games, even nine years after playing his final NFL game.