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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed 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 excelled in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football 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 team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions 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 toughness was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted 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 area when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” 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 obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – 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 Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and network behind me.”