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

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for 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 hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing 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.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search 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 entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and instruct 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 led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, 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 four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

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