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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped 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 families. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection 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 stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten 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 O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days 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 little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure 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 hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, 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 revealed his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”