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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

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

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need 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 whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated 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 wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

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