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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled 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 undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any family 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 need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious 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 seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness defined 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 fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- 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 honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”