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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

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

Storied Football 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 franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent 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 area when his playing days were over, becoming an 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 little bit about life 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 wonderful 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 final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

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