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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew 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 appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular 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 area when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

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

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”