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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed 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 followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, 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 supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen 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 men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, 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 Impact

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

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