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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

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

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region 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 men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”