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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled 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 wrote 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 family 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 type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped 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 sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted 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 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 little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled 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 final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he revealed his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”