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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed 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 shone in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed 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 stated 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 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.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted 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 stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, 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.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

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