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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Regrettably, 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 entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. 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 playing days – he downed 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, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘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 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”