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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need 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 dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”