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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped 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 appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line together with 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 durability was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 young men into men and teach 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 coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear 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.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

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