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

Medical Battle 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 excelled in college.

“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 explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. 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 spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored 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 toughness was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former 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 brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted 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, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and community behind me.”