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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

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

“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 search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed 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 appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search 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 dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he downed 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, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 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, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”