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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters 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 difficult 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 thought I would have had longer.

“Unfortunately, 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 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 seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work 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 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 career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”