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

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able 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 O-type 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 team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped 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 missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region 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 shape young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”