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

Health Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region 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 teach the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- 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 pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”