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

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to 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 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 reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. 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, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected 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 statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms 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 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 teach the sport of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall 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 wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”