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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious NFL 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, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”