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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search 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 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised 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 stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, 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 favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches 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 career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach 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 emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “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 remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”