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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone 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 search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive 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 toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 young men into adults and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”