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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any family 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 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, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. 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 hurt – like, injured – and he approaches 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 childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition 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 fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”