New York Jets legend Nick Mangold died on Saturday, October 25, at the age of 41. His passing was due to complications from kidney disease.
Just weeks before his death, Mangold expressed optimism about his health. He told the New York Post in a note published on October 14 that he felt "better than I was in August."
Mangold added, "I’m back to being a functional human being, which is great."
He had been diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2006. The condition significantly worsened this past summer.
Mangold detailed losing approximately 35 pounds (16 kilograms) in two months. His red blood cell count also dropped to half of the normal level.
He experienced severe fatigue, dizziness, and nausea. These symptoms prompted him to seek medical attention.
Doctors informed Mangold he needed to start dialysis immediately. He also had to begin searching for a kidney donor.
He recalled the moment, stating, "It wasn’t a great call." He admitted, "I’m not too fond of surgery, so that’s always scary."
In late August, Mangold spent five days at Morristown Medical Center in New Jersey. He underwent three dialysis sessions there.
His treatments continued afterward at an outpatient dialysis facility. Mangold found adapting to his new routine challenging.
"The diet is very different," he explained. "Your lifestyle changes; having to go to dialysis three times a week is almost a job in itself."
Mangold pledged to approach his health challenges with the same determination he had during his NFL career.
The former NFL center played all 11 of his professional seasons with the Jets. He retired from football in April 2018.
On October 14, Mangold used social media to publicly announce his active search for a kidney donor.
He clarified to the Post that the search was "more about doing it than it being a life-or-death situation." He noted that "one can be on dialysis for many years" and emphasized evaluating his quality of life.
Mangold also expressed a unique sense of fortune. "In a strange way, I’m actually lucky to have a path to recovery," he said.
He recognized that many people face illnesses without a clear path to improvement. "I do have a direct path; I just have to follow it," he affirmed.
The New York Jets issued a statement on Sunday, October 26, confirming Mangold’s death.
Jets Chairman Woody Johnson remembered him as "more than a legendary center." Johnson described Mangold as "the heart of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate."
Johnson highlighted Mangold’s leadership and strength, which "defined an era of Jets football." Off the field, his "wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty" made him a cherished member of the Jets family.
D’Brickashaw Ferguson, 41, who played alongside Mangold in the offensive line, called the news "a difficult moment." They shared two AFC final appearances as teammates.
Ferguson reflected on their bond, saying, "So much of our lives happened on that field." He added that they shared many personal moments, including his wedding and family events.
"I appreciate having had the opportunity to share life with him," Ferguson concluded.
Mangold is survived by his wife, Jenny, and their four children: Matthew, 14; Eloise, 11; Thomas, 9; and Charlotte, 7.