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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away 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 help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored 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 widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

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

When he revealed 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 lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”