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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.

Health Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled 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 undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

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

“You get to shape 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 told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”