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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

“Regrettably, 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 followers. 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 an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, 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 resilience was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse 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 remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- 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 remember 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 wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, 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 loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”