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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging 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 family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious Football 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 franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games 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 young men into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”