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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive 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 resilience was highly respected and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

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