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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, 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 Impact

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

When he announced his illness he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and network behind me.”