New York Jets great Nick Mangold announced on social media on Tuesday afternoon that he is undergoing dialysis and needs a kidney transplant.
The two-time first-team All-NFL and seven-time Pro Bowl center revealed on his X (Twitter) account that he has chronic kidney disease and is reaching out to Jets and Ohio State Buckeyes supporters for a donor as none of his family members are a match.
“This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health,” Mangold, 41, wrote. “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, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
Mangold include a website for prospective donors, https://columbiasurgery.org/kidney-transplant, and instructions to use his full name, Nicholas Mangold, and his birthdate, 1/13/1984.
“I am deeply grateful to anyone that would consider donating,” he wrote. “Most of all, I’m thankful for my family, who have been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.
“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.”
The Jets selected Mangold with the 29th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He was a first-team All-American in 2005 for the Buckeyes and was inducted into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame in 2023.
He played for only one NFL team, starting all 164 regular-season games from 2006-16 and all seven playoff contests. Mangold was voted first-team All-Pro in 2009 and 2010 and was selected to the 2006 NFL All-Rookie Team.
The Jets released him in February 2017 and re-signed him in April 2018 for his retirement from the NFL. He was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022.
Mangold is on the list of 128 modern-era players nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026.
