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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance 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 genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious NFL 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 team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and teach the game 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 led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted 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 sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”