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

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance 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 led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious 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 franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an O-line together with 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 resilience was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active 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 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 shape boys into adults and instruct the sport 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 emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”