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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult 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 hoped I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives willing 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 type O blood.”

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an offensive line together with 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 durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging 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 retirement – he chugged 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 coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he announced his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”