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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled 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 always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

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

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside 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 universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes 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 longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”