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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“Back 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 seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search 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 franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside 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 durability was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area 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 young men into men and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached 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 pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”