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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

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

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

Storied 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, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed 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 men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and community behind me.”