The sports world got absolutely gutted on Sunday morning. The New York Jets announced that Nick Mangold, one of the franchise’s most beloved players and one of the best centers of his generation, had passed away Saturday night at age 41. Just 12 days earlier, Mangold had publicly revealed he was desperately searching for a kidney donor after years of privately battling chronic kidney disease. The news hit especially hard for those who’d watched him anchor the Jets’ offensive line for 11 seasons and saw him as the embodiment of toughness and leadership. 

But it resonated beyond just Jets fans. This was an Ohio guy through and through. A Centerville native who played at Alter High School before becoming a national champion at Ohio State. His sudden death sent shockwaves through the entire football community.​ Kirk Herbstreit was one of many who’d tried to help amplify Nick’s plea for a donor after he posted his message.

When the news of Mangold’s passing broke, Kirk Herbstreit took to social media with a heartbreaking tribute. He wrote, “So sad to hear this-especially after seeing Nicks tweet last week about his health challenges he’s been facing. Life is so fragile. Nick was such a talented player but better man. Heartbreaking news. Prayers and condolences to his entire family. 🙏🏼” Herbstreit had responded to Mangold’s initial post with prayers that he’d find a match.

“Praying you find a kidney, Nick. I’m so sorry you’ve been enduring this for such a long time. I hope your outreach results in a match.” Unfortunately, Mangold passed from complications of kidney disease.

What makes this tragedy even more devastating is how Mangold had lived with this diagnosis since 2006, his rookie year in the NFL. He kept playing at an elite level for another decade. “In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease,” Mangold wrote in his October 14 message to the Jets and Ohio State communities. “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.” 

He reached out publicly for a type O blood donor because he didn’t have any family members who could donate. The Cincinnati Bengals had a matchup with the Jets on Sunday, and the teams held a moment of silence before the game for the 7x Pro Bowl winner.

Mangold’s Ohio State roots ran deep. He was part of the Buckeyes’ 2002 national championship team as a freshman, then earned All-American honors in 2005 before the Jets selected him in the first round of the 2006 draft. He spent his entire 11-year career in New York, making seven Pro Bowls, earning first-team All-Pro honors twice, and becoming the centerpiece of the offensive line during the Jets’ back-to-back AFC Championship Game runs in 2009 and 2010.

Former Jets coach Rex Ryan got emotional and called it “brutal,” and reflected on how Mangold was one of the unquestioned leaders in that locker room, even though Ryan famously didn’t designate captains.​

A franchise saying goodbye

Jets owner Woody Johnson released a statement that captured what so many in the organization were feeling. This wasn’t just about losing a Hall of Fame-caliber player, but losing someone who represented everything the franchise valued. “Nick was more than a legendary center,” Johnson said. “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.” 

That word “heartbeat” hits different when you consider Mangold anchored those offensive lines, was the guy setting the tone, calling out protections, and making everyone around him better for 11 straight seasons.​ That’s why he was rightfully inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.  Johnson’s statement came just an hour before the Jets were set to kick off against the Cincinnati Bengals in a game that suddenly felt impossibly small.

“On behalf of my entire family, Woody Johnson, and the Jets organization, we offer our sincere condolences to Jenny, their children—Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte—as well as Nick’s extended family, friends and all who loved him,” Johnson added.

“Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet”. That last line—”forever be a Jet”—carries weight when you remember Mangold spent his entire professional career in green and white after being drafted 29th overall in 2006. But beyond all the accolades, what Johnson’s words really conveyed was that the Jets family just lost one of their own, and nothing about that felt okay.​