The Ohio State football community and the broader world of professional football are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Nick Mangold, the former Ohio State standout and longtime New York Jets center, who passed away Saturday night at the age of 41 due to complications from kidney disease. The New York Jets announced his passing Sunday, sending shockwaves through both college and professional football circles.
Mangold, admired for his resilience, leadership, and steady presence both on and off the field, leaves behind a legacy defined by excellence, humor, loyalty, and a powerful love for the game.
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A Heartbeat of Every Team He Played For
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets chairman Woody Johnson said in an emotional statement. “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. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”
Players, coaches, fans, and colleagues have expressed deep sadness, remembering him not only as an elite competitor but as someone who uplifted others with humor, humility, and authenticity.
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From Ohio Roots to Buckeye Greatness
Born and raised in Centerville, Ohio, Mangold stayed true to his home state when he arrived in Columbus in 2002. Over his four-year Ohio State career (2002–2005), he:
•Started 33 games at center
•Became a first-team All-American in 2005
•Built a reputation as one of the smartest and toughest linemen in college football
He made history when he became the first Ohio State center ever selected in the first round of the NFL Draft, going 29th overall to the New York Jets in 2006.
His time as a Buckeye laid the foundation for a professional legacy that few linemen ever achieve.
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A Dominant NFL Force
Throughout his 11 seasons with the New York Jets, Mangold anchored the offensive line with unmatched consistency and leadership. His achievements include:
•7 Pro Bowl selections
•Considered one of the best centers of his era
•A respected voice in the locker room and on the field
•Inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022
Even years after retiring, teammates spoke of Mangold not only as a fellow player, but as a brother.
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A Battle Courageously Fought
Mangold was diagnosed in 2006 with chronic kidney disease caused by a genetic condition — the same year he entered the NFL. Despite the diagnosis, he played at an elite level for more than a decade, demonstrating courage that few ever saw behind the scenes.
Earlier this month, Mangold shared that he was undergoing dialysis and had begun the search for a kidney transplant. His message carried hope, grit, and his signature humor — a reflection of who he was to everyone who knew him.
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A Loss Felt Deeply Across Football
To Ohio State fans, he was a Buckeye forever.
To Jets fans, he was a cornerstone and captain.
To teammates, he was family.
To many across football, he was a warrior with a human touch.
The devastation felt today is heavy — but it is matched by the love, admiration, and gratitude shared for the years he gave to the game and to the people around him.
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His Legacy Lives On
Nick Mangold will be remembered for:
•The dominance he showed on the field
•The kindness and humor he shared off of it
•The loyalty he carried for every community he belonged to
•And the way he inspired others to keep pushing, no matter the challenge
As of last week, Mangold had advanced to the next round of voting for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 — an honor many believe he deeply deserves. His legacy has already been written. The Hall of Fame may be the final page.
Rest in peace, Nick Mangold.
A Buckeye. A Jet. A leader.
A fighter.
And a man who will never be forgotten.
