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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing 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 longer.

“Sadly, 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 need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee 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 region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, 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 praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”