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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed 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 was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious Football 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 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 reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career 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 game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family 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 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”