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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging 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 hoped I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O 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 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four 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 heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “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 approaches to me and says, ‘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 four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

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