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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look 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.

“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 families. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games 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, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men 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.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached 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 pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear 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.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he announced his illness he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”