The Jets shared heartbreaking news prior to Sunday’s game against the Bengals, revealing that franchise great Nick Mangold passed away at the age of 41.
The former center died Saturday night from complications of kidney disease. He had been seeking help in finding a kidney transplant, taking to social media just weeks ago in asking Jets fans for help in finding a match. Mangold has been battling chronic kidney disease since 2006.
"Nick was more than a legendary center," Jets owner Woody Johnson said 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."
Mangold was drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, and was an anchor of the Rex Ryan-led teams that reached back-to-back AFC title games, leaning on its defense and the run game, helped by Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowler.
Famously reliable, Mangold rarely ever missed a game during his 11-year career, all with Gang Green. He played in every game from his rookie year until 2011, and for the first 10 years og his career, never missed more than two games in a season.
The two-time All-Pro was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022. A posthumous induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame could very well come next for the beloved Jet.