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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, 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 families. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games 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 mold young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family 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, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”