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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”