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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious NFL 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 franchise, 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 offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently 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 more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 men and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor 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 approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”