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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“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 search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious Football 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 seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center led an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. 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 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, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and teach the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his illness he praised his family, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”