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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required 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 diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on 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 longer.

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

Storied NFL 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 franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the center fortified an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience 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,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games 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 circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and community behind me.”