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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough 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 thought I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection 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 a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability 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 stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear 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 wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

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

When he revealed his illness he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and community behind me.”