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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support 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 difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had additional years.

“Unfortunately, I do not have any relatives able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need 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 spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he missed 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 release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards 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 remained 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 mold young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”