NEED TO KNOW
- Nick Mangold needs a kidney transplant and is undergoing dialysis while awaiting a donor
- The retired NFL star shared a statement with his former team, the New York Jets, asking any willing fans to donate
- He said he’s “deeply grateful” for anyone who can help, and he’s staying positive despite going through a “tough stretch”
NFL star Nick Mangold took to social media looking for a kidney donor while undergoing dialysis for chronic kidney disease.
On Tuesday, Oct. 14, the New York Jets shared a message to Instagram on behalf of the former center.
“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 began. “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,” he wrote. “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 community.”
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Mangold needs a kidney donor with type O blood and asked anyone who is willing to donate to fill out the form from Columbia University Irving Medical Center using his full name, Nicholas Mangold, and birthday, Jan. 13, 1984.
“I am deeply grateful to anyone that would consider donating,” he said. “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 amazing family, friends and community behind me.”
“While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead,” he ended. “I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon.”
Mangold was the 29th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State and played for the Jets in 171 games. In 11 seasons with the NFL, he made seven Pro Bowl appearances before retiring after the 2016 season.
In 2022, Mangold was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor.
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