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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought 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 communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O 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 stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent 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 region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape 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 led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “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 released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – 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 sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”