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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the 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 support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family willing 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 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line together with 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 durability was widely admired and he missed only four 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 core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

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