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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line together with 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 durability was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted 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 shape boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper 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 great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”