The center who spent his entire NFL career with the Jets leaves behind his wife, Jennifer, and four children.
With the news of the tragic death of NFL player Nick Mangold, 41, over the weekend due to complications with kidney disease, two of his Catholic alma maters are remembering the center who spent his entire 11-season career with the New York Jets.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of our Incarnation alum, Nick Mangold,” Incarnation Catholic School posted to its Facebook page. “His legacy, both on and off the field, continues to inspire us all. Our deepest sympathies are with his family, friends, and all who were touched by his remarkable life.”
The school, founded in 1957 by the Precious Blood Sisters of Montgomery County, is a pre-K-to-8 elementary school located in Centerville, Ohio.
Mangold grew up in Centerville; he also attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, graduating in 2001 and committing to Ohio State. “It’s tough to look back,” Alter football coach Ed Domsitz said at the time, “but he’s probably the best lineman I have had in 25 years (of coaching). I’ve told the coaches who were recruiting him, there’s no downside to Nick. He’s an excellent student, and he’s what you hope to have in a leader.”
“With heavy hearts, we mourn the passing of a role model on and off the field, Nick Mangold,” Archbishop Alter High School wrote on social media. “His strength, leadership and humility made him a champion in every sense. We hold his family, friends and teammates in our prayers.”
Growing up in Ohio, Mangold said in 2001, “I live and die scarlet and gray. Just about everything I own is somehow related to Buckeye stuff.” He was inducted into the Ohio State Hall of Fame in 2023.
In a statement, Jets Chairman Woody Johnson spoke of Mangold, saying:
“Nick was more than a legendary center. 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.”
Before the game Sunday against the Jets, the Cincinnati Bengals held a moment of silence at their home stadium to remember the beloved Buckeye State player.
The announcement of Mangold’s death came just 10 days after Mangold announced to his fan base that he was in dire need of a kidney transplant and had chronic kidney disease.
“This isn’t an easy message to share,” Mangold wrote on social media, “but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health.” He was then undergoing dialysis.
Thanking his family for being his “rock every step of the way,” Mangold went on to say:
“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. 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.”
“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time,” Mangold said, “so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities.”
“This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me,” the father of four wrote. “While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon.”
Mangold was married to his wife, Jennifer. The couple had four children: son Matthew, daughter Eloise, son Thomas and daughter Charlotte.
As Mangold’s Catholic high school reminded us all in sharing the sad news:
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.”
— Matthew 5:4