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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an offensive 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 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee 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 young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- 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 great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”