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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed 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 stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

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

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an offensive 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 universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era 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 huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and instruct 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- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing 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 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”