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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“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 seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Storied NFL 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 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he sat out 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 heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 boys into men and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”