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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, 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 need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an O-line alongside 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 sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”