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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

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

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives willing 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 type O blood.”

Storied 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 team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”