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

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

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

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to 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 initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said 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 period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region 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 adults and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – 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 married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”