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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing 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 more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in search 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 dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line together with 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 toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant 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 impart them a little bit about the world 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 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 recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed 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 weightlifting.

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