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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

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

“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. 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 entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted 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 mold boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor 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 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 sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”