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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

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

Storied 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 franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center led 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 durability was highly respected and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged 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 assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and community behind me.”