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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, 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 resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives willing 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 type O blood.”

Storied NFL 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 team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an 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 life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was clear 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.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he praised his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and community behind me.”