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

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

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

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent 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 time, the center fortified an O-line alongside 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 durability was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy 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 matches after his retirement – 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, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit 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 ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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 announced his condition he thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”