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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.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this 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 was a star in his collegiate years.

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

“Regrettably, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for 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 home, companions, and community behind me.”