Nick Mangold: What happened to| Jersey| Ohio state| Who is

Introduction

Nick Mangold was one of the most consistent and respected centres in the NFL during his era. Born and raised in Ohio, wearing jersey number 74 for the New York Jets, he became a key part of the team’s offensive line for more than a decade. This article explores who he was, what happened to him, his Ohio State roots, and his legacy.

Early Life & Ohio State Roots

• Mangold was born on January 13, 1984 in Centerville, Ohio.

• He attended Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering, Ohio, where he was a letterman in football, wrestling and track & field.

• He then played college football for the Ohio State Buckeyes (2002–2005) as a centre.

• At Ohio State he became known for his work ethic, technique and leadership — all qualities that would carry into his professional career.

Draft & Professional Career: Jersey 74 with the Jets

• Mangold was the 29th overall pick of the 2006 NFL Draft, selected by the New York Jets.

• He wore jersey number 74 throughout his career with the Jets.

• Over his 11-season career (2006–2016) with the Jets:

  • He started 171 games for the Jets including 7 playoff games.

  • He earned 7 Pro Bowl selections (2008-11, 2013-15) and was twice named First-team All-Pro (2009, 2010).

  • He anchored the Jets’ offensive line during their runs to the AFC Championship Game in the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

• Mangold was known for his durability, technical mastery at centre, leadership in the locker room, and strong work ethic.

What Happened After Football

• Mangold’s last season playing was 2016; he was released in February 2017 by the Jets and subsequently announced his retirement in April 2018 (signing a ceremonial one-day contract to retire as a Jet).

• Post-career, he remained respected within the Jets community, and in 2022 was inducted into the Jets Ring of Honor.

• Unfortunately, in October 2025 Mangold publicly revealed that he had been diagnosed with a genetic defect in 2006 which led to chronic kidney disease, and that he was undergoing dialysis while seeking a kidney transplant.

• He died on October 25, 2025 at age 41 from complications of the kidney disease.

Legacy & Impact

• For Ohio State fans, Mangold is remembered as one of the Buckeyes’ standout linemen who smoothly transitioned to the highest level.

• For Jets fans, he is a franchise icon — number 74, durable and dependable, with leadership both on and off the field.

• His story also serves as a reminder of the human cost behind professional sports — success on the field does not always equate to invulnerability off it.

• His appeal for a kidney donor in 2025 brought attention to chronic kidney disease and the importance of organ donation.

FAQs

Q1: Who is Nick Mangold?
A1: Nick Mangold was an American football centre who played his entire 11-season NFL career with the New York Jets (2006-2016). He played college football at Ohio State and was known for his leadership, durability, and technique.

Q2: What jersey number did Nick Mangold wear?
A2: He wore jersey number 74 for the New York Jets throughout his career.

Q3: Which college did Nick Mangold attend?
A3: He attended the Ohio State University and played for the Ohio State Buckeyes football team from 2002 to 2005.

Q4: What happened to Nick Mangold after his career?
A4: After retiring, Mangold remained engaged with the football community and the Jets organization. In October 2025 he revealed he was suffering from chronic kidney disease and needed a transplant. On October 25, 2025, he died at age 41 from complications of the disease.

Q5: Why is Nick Mangold significant?
A5: He is significant for several reasons:

• Elite centre on the field: 7 Pro Bowls, 2× First-team All-Pro.

• Longevity: 11 seasons with one team (Jets) at a demanding position.

• Off-field: His loyal, blue-collar image resonated with teammates and fans alike.

• Health advocacy: His public fight with kidney disease brought awareness to that condition.

Conclusion

Nick Mangold’s journey — from his Ohio high-school days, through Ohio State, to becoming the centrepiece of the Jets’ offensive line in New York — is a story of talent, persistence, and leadership. His jersey number 74 became a symbol of his identity with the Jets. While his career achievements are many, the latter part of his story also reflects the vulnerability and humanity of athletes. In remembering him, we remember not only the athlete but the person.