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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection 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 on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region 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 teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and network behind me.”