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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied 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, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted 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 young men into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – 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 Legacy

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

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”