Nick Mangold, the legendary New York Jets center and beloved family man from Madison, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on October 25, 2025, at the age of 41 due to complications from chronic kidney disease.
Born on January 13, 1984, in Centerville, Ohio, Mangold had been privately battling a genetic kidney condition diagnosed in 2006, which progressed to require dialysis and a public appeal for a transplant donor just eleven days prior to his passing. His departure has sent waves of profound grief through the NFL community, his adopted New York home, and beyond, as tributes highlight his enduring impact both on and off the field.
Mangold’s professional journey began at Ohio State University, where he excelled as an All-American center, earning his degree in 2019 long after establishing himself in the pros. Drafted 29th overall by the Jets in the 2006 NFL Draft, he spent his entire 11-year career anchoring the offensive line, starting 171 games, earning seven Pro Bowl selections, and helping propel the team to two AFC Championship appearances alongside linemate D’Brickashaw Ferguson. His induction into the Jets Ring of Honor in 2022 cemented his status as a franchise icon known for intelligence, toughness, and leadership.
In his personal life, Mangold was a devoted husband to his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, whom he married in 2007, and a loving father to their four children: Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. The family rooted themselves in Madison, New Jersey, where he embraced community involvement, coaching youth football, volunteering at St. Vincent Martyr School, and prioritizing travel adventures that created cherished memories, from Disney trips to international explorations.
Mangold’s generosity extended deeply into charitable work, supporting causes like youth programs, first responders through organizations such as Tunnels to Towers and Answer the Call, and raising awareness for kidney health in his final weeks. He embodied compassion off the field, often appearing at team events, dressing as Santa for holiday celebrations, and using his platform to foster connections and give back without seeking spotlight.
Funeral arrangements included a visitation on November 3, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial on November 4, 2025, at 10:30 a.m., both at St. Vincent Martyr Church in Madison, New Jersey, with interment private for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations were requested to Tunnels to Towers, Answer the Call, or the American Kidney Fund, continuing his legacy of service.
Nick Mangold lived a life well lived, defined by excellence in football, unwavering devotion to family, and a profound commitment to community and charity in New York and beyond. His legacy endures through the strengthened offensive lines he built, the joyful family moments he cultivated, and the compassionate example he set for generations. In this era of remembrance, his spirit continues to inspire resilience, kindness, and the pursuit of meaningful connections among all whose lives he enriched.