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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult 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 believed I would have had additional years.

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

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning 7 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 fortified an offensive line alongside 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 resilience was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged 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 shape young men into men and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family 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, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, companions, and network behind me.”