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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line together with 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 resilience was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 adults 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 remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, 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 Impact

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

When he announced his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”