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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole 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 time, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted 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 sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and community behind me.”