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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

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Sadly, 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 need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center led 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 durability was highly respected and he sat out only 4 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 heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – 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, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, 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 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

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