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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

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

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

Storied 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, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something 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 said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, 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, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”