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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious Football 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 stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. 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 hurt – 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 married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”