Nick Mangold needs kidney transplant and asks Ohio State and New York Jets communities for help

Nick Mangold, a 2002 Alter High School graduate who played for the Ohio State Buckeyes and spent 11 seasons in the NFL as a center with the New York Jets, announced Tuesday he needs a kidney transplant.

“This isn’t an easy message to share,” Mangold, 41, wrote on social media, “but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health.

“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. 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 was inducted into Ohio State’s hall of fame in 2023. He was a freshman when Ohio State won a national championship in 2002. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection with the Jets. He retired in 2018.

Mangold thanked his family in his social media post for being his “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,” he wrote. “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.”