The entire football community woke up to gutting news. Nick Mangold, Ohio State Buckeyes and longtime New York Jets anchor, passed away at 41 while dealing with a grim disease. As thoughts and prayers poured in for Mangold, his college also issued a heartfelt post in his honor.

“The Ohio State Football program is saddened by the news of Nick Mangold’s passing and sends heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.”

Mangold’s impact cut far deeper than game day highlights. He was the center of gravity for any locker room he entered. His real love? The players around him. Once asked what he’d miss the most about Ohio State, he didn’t mention a single record. Instead, he noted:

“More than anything, I’ll miss being around my teammates on and off the field. There is nothing like the family we have here now.”

But even if he didn’t talk about his achievements, his college pedigree spoke for itself. Mangold started 33 games out of 45 with the Buckeyes. Even his college O-line coach, Jim Bollman, had noted that Mangold was a natural at center. “Most guys you get out of high school have to be taught to play center. He already knew the mechanics of the position. That was a big, big advantage.”

Joining the Jets in 2006, he made an immediate impact in the NFL as well. Playing through 11 seasons, he earned seven Pro Bowl nods, and became one of the greatest centers of his era. Mangold even got his name etched into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022, recognizing his contributions.

Even Jets’ chairman Woody Johnson shared a heartfelt speech remembering Mangold after his passing: “Nick was more than a legendary center. 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 family. – Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet.”

While the NFL and college football community mourns the loss of a dynamic legend, we also look at the longtime struggle Mangold faced.

Nick Mangold’s ultimate battle

Nick Mangold recently took to social media to share a battle he has been fighting with for years. He wrote a heartfelt letter to the “Jets community,” revealing that he was fighting a kidney disease.

“This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health. 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.”

Mangold had also reached out to the community to ask for help in looking for a kidney donor with the O blood type. His fight–tough and determined–showed the same heart that once made him a football legend. But he ultimately succumbed to the kidney complications and left the world reeling from his loss. 

As Jets’ Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson noted, “Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership.” Now, the Jets will try to build on Mangold’s resilience and leadership, all the while remembering the center who gave his entire career to the New York Jets.