Nick Mangold, former center for the New York Jets for 11 seasons, was pronounced dead on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, in Ohio, where he grew up and was drafted into the league. His cause of death was kidney failure due to a disease that he had been living with since 2006.
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, 2025, just two weeks before his passing, Mangold shared a message via X regarding his kidney disease, publicly asking anyone that could be a potential kidney donor. In his message, Mangold shared, “In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease.” He also provided a link to a website where people could see if they are a potential match for Mangold in order to proceed with a kidney transplant.
In his message, Mangold also said, “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.” The words of the former New York Jets center now echo like a farewell he never intended to give.
The disease Mangold was diagnosed with was known as Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), which is a condition where the kidneys gradually lose their ability to filter waste products and excess fluid from the blood. The damage can lead to a buildup of harmful substances in the body and various health complications. There are many causes that lead up to this disease, such as certain medications, genetic factors and family history.
Throughout the past two decades, Mangold’s disease advanced to a severe stage to where he needed dialysis and a kidney transplant. CKD may cause no symptoms at first but later can lead to tiredness, swelling and high blood pressure.
Mangold played college football at The Ohio State University from 2002-2005 where he won a national championship as a freshman. He was a three-year starter at center and was named a first-team All-American in 2005. He was named Offensive Lineman of the week seven times during the 2004 season and offensive player of the week against Northwestern. Mangold started in 33 of the 45 career games he played in, all at center. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics hall of fame in 2023 due to all of his accomplishments at center during his time at Ohio State.
With the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, Mangold was selected by the New York Jets. Mangold spent his entire 11 season career with the Jets, starting in 171 games from 2006-2016. He played in two AFC Championship Games in the 2009 and 2010 seasons, among many other games. Mangold was released by the Jets after the 2016 season and announced his retirement in 2018. He was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.
The Legacy of Nick Mangold will live on by the Ohio State and New York Jets communities. He will forever be seen by many football fans as a legend and will be remembered by all of his achievements.
