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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. 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 dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on social media 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 honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 shape young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

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

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”