Nick Mangold with his wife Jennifer as he is inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor on Sept. 25, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. ; Nick Mangold and his family attend a screening of 'Beauty and the Beast' on March 13, 2017, in New York City.
Nick Mangold with his wife Jennifer as he is inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor on Sept. 25, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. ; Nick Mangold and his family attend a screening of 'Beauty and the Beast' on March 13, 2017, in New York City.
Nick Mangold welcomed four children with his wife, Jennifer Richmond
The former New York Jets star died on Oct. 25 due to complications of kidney disease
Prior to his death, the late NFL player often spoke about family and fatherhood
Nick Mangold will be remembered not just for his legacy with the New York Jets, but also for his devotion to his family.
The former NFL player, who tragically died on Oct. 25 due to complications of kidney disease, welcomed four children with his wife, Jennifer Richmond. After retiring following the 2016 season, Mangold went from locker rooms and game days to manicures and pedicures from his daughter, Disney trips with his kids and coaching his son's basketball team, per NJ.com.
On Oct. 26, Mangold's former team released a statement announcing the news of his death, which came just 10 days after he reached out to his fan base and asked for a kidney donor while undergoing dialysis.
"Nick was more than a legendary center," Jets Chairman Woody Johnson said in the release. "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."
Johnson continued to offer his condolences "to Jenny, their four children — Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte — as well as to Nick's extended family, friends, and all who loved him."
Here's everything to know about Nick Mangold's family, including his wife and four children.
Mangold and his wife were high school sweethearts
Nick Mangold and his wife Jennifer in October 2023.
Nick Mangold and his wife Jennifer in October 2023.
Mangold and his wife, Richmond, were high school sweethearts, according to Dayton Daily News.
Though Richmond stays mostly out of the public eye, she joined Mangold on the MetLife Stadium field in September 2022 when he was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor.
Mangold and Richmond welcomed four children together
Nick Mangold's kids in April 2020.Nick Mangold's kids in April 2020.
Nick Mangold's kids in April 2020.
Mangold was a dad to four children: sons Matthew and Thomas, and daughters Eloise and Charlotte.
During a May 2020 appearance on the First Class Fatherhood podcast, the former football player discussed the top values he wanted to instill in his kids.
"Love of family, doing things the right way, being disciplined," he said, adding that it's also important for them to enjoy "family time."
"Having a close family, having your siblings, is something special," Mangold continued.
That October, Mangold was asked during an episode of The Art of Fatherhood podcast about the top three words he would hope his kids would describe him as a dad.
"Loving, fair and fun," Mangold said.
His kids taught him patience
Nick Mangold and his wife Jennifer and their four kids in April 2020.
Nick Mangold and his wife Jennifer and their four kids in April 2020.
During his conversation on The Art of Fatherhood podcast, Mangold reflected on the lessons he's learned through his kids as both a father and person, noting that they taught him "a lot more patience."
"In football, there's a lot of instant gratification. You do something right and something good happens," he said. "With kids, when you hear the 500th, 'Mommy,' during the day, it takes all that patience not to go crazy."
Mangold also explained how they've made him have more "compassion."
"I don't think I was ever all that compassionate before kids, but now seeing what affects them and what gives them displeasure or causes them trouble, I take it to the heart a little bit more," he said.
His children inspired his barbecue sauce line
Nick Mangold smiles with his daughter at Disney World.Nick Mangold smiles with his daughter at Disney World.
Nick Mangold smiles with his daughter at Disney World.
After leaving the NFL, Mangold put his passion for food into a barbecue sauce line, known as Mangold's 74 BBQ. As explained on the company's website, he created a sauce dedicated to each child, with their "personalities" serving as inspiration.
"The first sauce, titled 'OG', [sic] is tied to my first son, as he is my original child. The second sauce, a spicy BBQ sauce that reflects with my second son, as he is a firecracker of activity," Mangold shared, adding that the third sauce, a honey BBQ, is an ode to his "sweet first daughter."
His fourth sauce, made for his second daughter — the "baby of the family who was born in the Fall of 2019 during apple harvesting time" — was a vinegar sauce crafted with apple cider.
"My family means everything to me and having this connection between my children and these sauces makes it even more special," Mangold wrote. "This passion has provided me the desire and motivation to make all Seventy Four BBQ sauces exceptionally as they are a direct reflection of the love I have for my kids."
His family was his "rock" amid his health struggles
Nick Mangold and his daughter in September 2020.Nick Mangold and his daughter in September 2020.
Nick Mangold and his daughter in September 2020.
In mid-October, the Jets shared a message to their Instagram on behalf of Mangold, who wanted to be "open about what's happening with me and my health."
"In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease," he shared. "After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant."
While he shared he was "grateful" for those who would consider donating, he shared his appreciation to his support system, including his family.
"Most of all, I’m thankful for my family, who have been my rock every step of the way," Mangold wrote. "This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such amazing family, friends and community behind me."
The former NFL star died nearly 11 days later.