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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed 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 wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

“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 communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious NFL 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, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line together with 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 universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, 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, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. 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 chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career 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 teach them a little bit about life 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 brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted 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 sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating 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 community behind me.”