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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

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

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media 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 inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

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

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”