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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing 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 rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote 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 Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults 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- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. 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 injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, 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 illness he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”