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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew 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 appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied NFL 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 team, 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 center led an offensive line alongside 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 toughness was highly respected and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse 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 stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”