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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look 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.

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

Storied Football 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, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged 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 assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired 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 sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of 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 amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”