Former New York Jets All-Pro center Nick Mangold died on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at age 41 due to complications from kidney disease. Theannouncement of his death was made by the Jets on Sunday. Just two weeks prior, Mangold had publicly revealed his long-running health battle and was seeking a kidney transplant.
Sep 25, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Retired New York Jets center Nick Mangold with his daughter before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Sep 25, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Retired New York Jets center Nick Mangold with his daughter before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
đź’š pic.twitter.com/9ieu0ICKOW
— New York Jets (@nyjets) October 26, 2025
Mangold was diagnosed with a genetic defect in 2006 that caused chronic kidney disease. On October 14, 2025, he publicly shared that he was undergoing dialysis and seeking a kidney donor with type O blood.
He had a “rough summer” but stayed hopeful. In his letter to “My NY Jets community,” Mangold shared, “In 2006, doctors diagnosed me with a genetic defect that caused chronic kidney disease. I am currently on dialysis while we search for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time.”
Jets owner Woody Johnson released a statement calling Mangold “more than a legendary center,” but also “a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football”. Johnson also praised Mangold’s “wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty”.
Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan became emotional while paying tribute to Mangold, who played for him for six seasons. Ryan shared his sorrow on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown on October 26, 2025, just after news of Mangold’s death broke.
Ryanbroke down in tears, calling Mangold a “great young man” and describing the loss as “brutal.” He remembered a moment when Mangold showed loyalty during Ryan’s last game as head coach, even though Mangold was hurt.
Rex Ryan mourns the loss of his former player Nick Mangold following his death from kidney disease. pic.twitter.com/xhpJJ0yue3
— ESPN (@espn) October 26, 2025
Ryan said Mangold came to him and insisted on playing that game. “He wanted to play for me,” Ryan said. “That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome.” Ryan expressed his sadness, saying Mangold was “way too young,” and he added, “I feel so bad for his wife and his family.”
Nick Mangold’s Decade with New York Jets and Family Who Supported Him
Mangold was one of the NFL’s top centers during his career. He earned many awards and helped the Jets succeed over his 11 seasons. He was selected for the Pro Bowl several times and was a two-time First-Team All-Pro, making him a key player on the offensive line.
For ten years, Mangold was an important player on the Jets’ offensive line. He showed skill, determination, and leadership. He helped keep the offense steady by protecting quarterbacks like rookie Mark Sanchez during key playoff runs.
He spent his entire career with the organization, officially retiring as a Jet in 2018 after being released following the 2016 season.
Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer Richmond, and their four children: Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. Mangold and Jennifer were high school sweethearts who married in April 2007.
During his public appeal for a kidney donor, Mangold credited his family, and particularly his wife, for being his “rock” throughout his 19-year battle with chronic kidney disease.
He also told theNew York Post, “She makes it all happen. Without everything that she’s done, I’d probably be in a gutter somewhere, so… she’s an incredible person”.
The family lived in Chatham, New Jersey during his playing days. After he retired, they moved to Madison, New Jersey.
Mangold is the oldest of four children in the Mangold family. His parents are Vernon and Therese Mangold. His sister, Holley, is an Olympic weightlifter who represented the United States at the 2012 Olympics. Another sister, Kelley, played football in high school.