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

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

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

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games 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 career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”