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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year 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 revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition 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 hoped 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 reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his condition he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”