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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look 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.

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

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole 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 period, the center led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade 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 extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent 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 area 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 impart them a little bit about the world 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 a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”