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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance 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 difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need 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 whole professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – 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, becoming 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- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, 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 announced his condition he thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”