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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O 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 franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. 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 honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region 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 impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former 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 said. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘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 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

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