dq. Former Steelers & Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 After Long Kidney Battle — Remembered as a True Leader and Teammate to the End
The NFL community is in mourning following the heartbreaking news that former Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Jets legend Nick Mangold has passed away at the age of 41 after a long and courageous battle with kidney disease.
Mangold, known for his unmatched strength, leadership, and grit on the field, was more than just a football player — he was a cornerstone of every locker room he entered. Drafted by the New York Jets in 2006, Mangold quickly became one of the league’s most respected centers, earning multiple Pro Bowl selections and a reputation for his toughness and heart.
Former teammates describe him as “a protector in every sense — on and off the field.” Even after his diagnosis, Mangold continued to mentor young players, attend team events, and raise awareness for organ health and kidney research. His quiet determination inspired countless fans and athletes alike.
In a statement, the Jets organization called Mangold “a true Jet to the core — fierce, loyal, and beloved.” The Steelers also paid tribute, noting his “unwavering passion for the game and for his brothers in uniform.”
Across social media, tributes have poured in from fans, coaches, and players past and present, all honoring a man who gave everything — to the sport, to his teammates, and to life itself.
Nick Mangold’s legacy will live on not just in the records he set or the games he won, but in the strength, humility, and heart he showed until his final day. Rest in peace, #74 — a leader forever remembered.
