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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing 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 additional years.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search 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 team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently 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 more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse 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 career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘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 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”