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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped 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 top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media 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 inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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 condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”