COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nick Mangold, former Ohio State Buckeye and longtime New York Jets offensive lineman, passed away Saturday night at the age of 41 due to complications from kidney disease.

Beloved in both New York and Columbus, Mangold was remembered on Sunday by teammates, coaches, and fans who shared heartfelt tributes celebrating his life and legacy.

“Nick Mangold was everything you could wish for as a teammate, player, son, friend, husband, father, and American: loyal, hard-working, selfless, caring, and loving,” former Ohio State coach Jim Tressel wrote on X. “Our hearts go out to the entire Mangold–Buckeye–Jet families. Love that man. We lost a great one.”

A native of Centerville, Ohio, Mangold starred at Ohio State from 2002 to 2005, earning All-American honors and helping the Buckeyes capture a national championship.

“RIP Nick Mangold. A great Buckeye and Jet,” wrote Garrett Wilson, current Jets receiver. “I’m devastated to hear this and will hold on to the insight you’ve given me over these past few years. RIP Legend — you will be missed.”

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan grew emotional on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown as he reflected on Mangold’s dedication. Ryan recalled the 2014 season finale, when Mangold insisted on playing through injury even though Ryan’s firing was imminent.

“He wanted to play for me,” Ryan said through tears. “That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome.”

Mangold spent his entire 11-year NFL career (2006–2016) with the Jets, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and establishing himself as one of the premier centers of his era. After stepping away from football in 2017, he officially retired and was later inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.

“Rest easy, Nick Mangold,” ESPN’s Pat McAfee wrote on X. “My positive prayers & thoughts are with his family. Through AJ [Hawk], I learned so much about him — the man, the dad, the husband, the teammate, the EVERYTHING great he was. The world lost a damn good man, and obviously a legendary beard.”

In a poignant twist, the Jets rallied from a 15-point deficit to defeat the Bengals in Cincinnati — less than 50 miles from Mangold’s hometown — on Sunday. Kicker Nick Folk, who played alongside Mangold from 2010 to 2016, made the game-winning extra point.

“At the end,” Folk said afterward, “he was there with us.”