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

Medical Battle and Community 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 shone in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had longer.

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

Storied NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also teach 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 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 recall 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 playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and community behind me.”