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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

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

“Regrettably, 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 communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied Football 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 an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career 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 something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious 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.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to 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 incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”