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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, 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 was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on 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 relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied NFL 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 anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears 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 the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”