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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“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 followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”