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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”