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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed 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 diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, 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 search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated 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 time, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive 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 resilience was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married 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 revealed his condition he praised 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 home, companions, and network behind me.”