The New York Jets will go into today’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with more than their 0-7 record in mind, following the heart-breaking news that fan favourite Nick Mangold has passed away at the age of just 41.

It was only a week or so ago that Mangold posted a plea on social media that detailed a battle with kidney disease and expressed seemingly forlorn hope that someone with a matching blood type could step up as a donor.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease,” Mangold wrote in the letter, addressed to ‘My NY Jets community’, which Gridiron carried in a recent edition of The Cadence newsletter. “I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time.”

Sadly, that amount of time was clearly shorter than Mangold, his family and anyone who knew him had bargained on. The legendary center passed away on Saturday night, aged just 41.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets chairman Woody Johnson lamented. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved team-mate 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.

“From the moment he joined our organisation, Nick embodied everything it meant to be a Jet. His impact on our organisation and our fans will continue to be felt for generations.”

Mangold, instantly reconisable due to his lustrous beard and flowing blond hair, was selected in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft and started immediately, kickstarting an overhaul of the Jets O-line that led to three playoff appearances, including back-to-back AFC Championship Games. He played continuously for 89 games between that ‘06 season and 2011 before suffering his first injury — but was back in the line-up just two weeks later and played another 59 games straight. He can also claim to have snapped the ball to every Jets quarterback for over a decade. A multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection, Mangold was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honour in 2022 and, just last week, progressed to the latest stage of voting for the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

“Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership,” Jets vice-chairman Christopher Johnson concluded. “For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of team-mates, opponents and fans alike. His contributions on the field were extraordinary, but it was his character, humility and humour off it that made him unforgettable.”