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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated 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 appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied 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, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center led an O-line alongside 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 durability was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. 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 chugged a beer while being honored 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 shape young men into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit 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 emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”