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

Health Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection 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 twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to 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 not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed 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, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four 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 condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”