(NEW YORK) — Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold died Saturday at age 41 of complications from kidney disease, the team said in an announcement on Sunday.
“The New York Jets are deeply saddened to share the news of the untimely passing of Nick Mangold,” the team said in a statement. “One of the most iconic and beloved players in franchise history, Nick was the cornerstone of the Jets offensive line for 11 unforgettable seasons … but beyond the accolades and the fierce play on the field, Nick was a leader, a teammate, and a friend whose impact extended far beyond the locker room.”
“His legacy is etched into the very fabric of our organization,” the team added. “From his first day in green and white to his induction into the Jets Ring of Honor, Nick represented everything it means to be a Jet — with pride, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.”
In a statement, Jets Chair Woody Johnson called Mangold “one of the greatest to ever wear the green and white” and “the heartbeat of our offensive line.”
“Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family,” Johnson said, adding, “His impact on our organization, and our fans will continue to be felt for generations.”
Mangold’s death comes shortly after the retired athlete appealed to fans for help finding a kidney donor earlier this month in a message posted to social media.
At the time, Mangold said he was suffering from chronic kidney disease, which stemmed from a genetic disorder he was diagnosed with in 2006.
“After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” he wrote in the Oct. 14 message, asking for help finding a donor.
Mangold was drafted 29th overall in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, having boosted his profile as a center at Ohio State.
As a pro, Mangold logged seven Pro Bowl selections in 11 seasons before retiring from football in 2018.
Mangold is survived by his wife Jenny and their four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte.
Read on for what to know about the Mangold’s cause of death and the reactions from his friends and teammates.
What to know about chronic kidney disease
In his October social media appeal, Mangold shared that he had been diagnosed in 2006 “with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease.”
Dr. Tara Narula, ABC News’ chief medical correspondent, discussed the condition on “Good Morning America” on Monday.
“We don’t talk a lot about chronic kidney disease,” Narula said, highlighting the general widespread lack of awareness, despite it impacting so many people.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 in 7 U.S. adults suffers from the disease, totaling around 35.5 million people.
Narula said chronic kidney disease will oftentimes progress slowly and appear asymptomatic in its initial stages. She added that the disease is typically picked up by a blood or urine test.
The main risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease include diabetes, hypertension, obesity, smoking, family history, autoimmune conditions and genetic conditions, according to Narula.
Narula said symptoms often associated with the disease include bubbly or foamy urine, increased frequency of urination, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps, shortness of breath and swelling of the eyes or legs.
Narula said disease management involves “controlling the underlying disease process that’s causing the chronic kidney disease” and managing cardiovascular risk factors, which she said is the leading cause of death for people with chronic kidney disease.
According to Narula, there are about 90,000 people in the United States waiting for new kidney transplants, and roughly 12 people die every day while waiting.
Teammates, coaches and more react to Nick Mangold’s death
After Mangold’s death was announced Sunday, his friends, coaches and former teammates reacted to his death.
“It’s brutal,” said an emotional Rex Ryan, who coached the New York Jets from 2009 to 2014, on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.” “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets.”
Ryan continued, “I remember, it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured… and he comes to me and says ‘I’m playing this game,’ and he wanted to play for me.”
He added, “That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome and just way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and family.”
Willie Colon, a former New York Jet who played by Mangold’s side on the offensive line, shared his experiences with the late center on SNY’s Jets pregame show.
“I wanted to play with Nick Mangold,” Colon said. “And there were times where, emotionally, I was a wreck, and he always had my back.”
Former Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez also remembered his late teammate, posting on social media for the first time since his arrest on a felony battery charge and three misdemeanor charges earlier this month.
“We lost a good man today,” Sanchez wrote in the caption of an Instagram post Sunday. “He was more than a teammate. He was my big brother who introduced me to the NFL. He showed me the ropes. He was my friend and confidant. He was a role model and a great father to his children and husband to his wife. “
Russ Spielman, a representative for Mangold, lauded Mangold’s personality off the field.
“Nick was an all-time great human being and always tried to have fun in everything he did. He was a great dad, husband, son, brother, friend and person. He will be missed forever,” Spielman said.
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