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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center led an offensive 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 resilience was universally praised 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 stated in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, 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, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and teach the sport 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 led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and network behind me.”