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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for 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 genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious 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 seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his loved ones, stating 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 community behind me.”