A New York Jets great has revealed on social media that he needs a life-saving kidney transplant.
Nick Mangold, the Ohio State center drafted by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft, shared that he’s been battling chronic kidney disease for the last 19 years and is currently on dialysis.
“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease,” Mangold said. “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.”
— Nick Mangold (@nickmangold) October 14, 2025
Mangold Seeks Donor From Jets, Buckeyes Communities
Mangold is seeking a donor with type O blood and is reaching out to the Jets and Buckeyes communities for help since he does not have any family members who are able to donate.
“If you are willing to find out if you could be a match and donate a kidney to me please go to this site https://columbiasurgery.org/kidney-transplant and click the link to indicate I WANT TO DONATE MY KIDNEY. Use my full name, Nicholas Mangold, and my birthday, 1/13/1984. I am deeply grateful to anyone that would consider donating,” Mangold wrote in his post.
He added, “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.”
Mangold was one of the greatest offensive linemen in Jets history. The three-time All-Pro center and seven-time Pro Bowler retired after the 2016 season following 11 years in the NFL.
