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

Health Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging 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 more time.

“Regrettably, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need 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 spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area 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 shape boys into adults 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 head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”