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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

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

“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 search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed 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 reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – 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 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”