The Life of Nick Mangold—A Blessing and a Reminder

When called to offer words of condolence, my aunt always writes, “May his or her memory be a blessing.” I’ve always loved that message. It’s a beautiful wish — a hope to hold onto.

Upon hearing about the passing of Nick Mangold, I found myself wanting to rewrite that message. The 41-year-old football player, who spent his entire 11-season career as a center with the New York Jets, died on October 25, 2025 from complications of a kidney disease. As I write about him now, I hope his memory is not only a blessing but something more. Let it be a reminder.

In 2006, Mangold was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. In a letter addressed to "My NY Jets community" he wrote, "I'm undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time." I wish he had. I also wish he had found a match. I wish more people knew about how they too can save a life. And, I say this because that is precisely what my cousin Amy said when asked why she donated her kidney in June 2024.

The article "By donating a kidney to a stranger, WA woman forged an immediate bond" reports that Amy decided to become a non-directed kidney donor for a number of reasons. In addition to the influence of podcasts (yes, podcasts), she said, “I have a job where I can get time off. I don’t have kids. I’m healthy. I’ve always been a blood donor. And I have a family that understands the importance of helping others.”

Jim Simon's piece is nearly perfect, with one exception: it omits the simple, piercing question Amy asked herself — and, by extension, is asking of all of us. How often do I — do we — get the chance to save a life? The power of that question is not lost on the author, though. After all, he was the recipient of Amy’s kidney. She saved his life.

Amy meets Jim and his wife!

Amy is unique in many ways — and I love her deeply. But here, “unique” is also the technical term. She is what is officially called a non-directed donor, "someone who chooses to donate a kidney even though no loved one, friend, or acquaintance needs one. Non-directed donors have no say in, nor any knowledge of, who will receive their organ. There is no certainty, not even a strong likelihood, that they will ever meet the stranger whose life they save." The story of their meeting in person—months after the successful transplant, underscores Simon's article. But, it's purpose is much more.

Simon notes:

• About 100,000 people in the United States are currently on the waiting list for a kidney transplant.
• Kidney transplants have increased in the last decade, reaching nearly 28,000 last year.
• But the waiting list grows far faster than the number of transplants.
• An estimated 12 people die every day while waiting for a kidney.

We need both directed and non-directed donors. We need people to check the “organ donor” box at the DMV and to tell their families their wishes regarding end-of-life decisions. The math is simple: more donors mean more lives can be saved.

And here’s the truth many don’t realize: in good health, almost anyone can become an altruistic donor. We don’t actually need two kidneys; we can live with one. In short, there are enough kidneys out there to go around — enough that the wait might not be long...enough that we might not lose someone like Nick Mangold—husband, father of four, son, brother, friend and former teammate at such a young age. 

Like Amy, I'm a fan of podcasts. In fact, the one I listen to Pardon the Interruption (PTI) is how I learned of Mangold's passing. They quoted the The New York Jets website which stated. 

He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick's wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.

Nick married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer

I heard the news and I stopped in my tracks. My eyes pooled with water as I realized his life's story was cut short. I wish he could have gotten a kidney. I wish more people knew about Amy's choice, her gift and perspective. In a letter to her parents (my aunt and uncle), she wrote "It’s not just me saving one life, it’s our family who is ‘saving’ another family.” 

Let's share Mangold's story and in doing so, his memory will only continue to be a blessing and... much more.

BTW: That's Amy's mom, my Aunt Wendy who writes that message ;-)
Please read the full post on Amy here.

Photo Credits
Nick Mangold
Amy and chart
Mangold family