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

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

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

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family 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, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to 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 home, companions, and network behind me.”