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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football 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, securing 7 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 contributed to 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 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his illness he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and community behind me.”