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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

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

“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 search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search 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 dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

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