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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Regrettably, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied NFL 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, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. 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 injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing 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 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for 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 rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”