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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans 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 difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

“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 followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire 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 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 resilience was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed 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 men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”