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

Health Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Sadly, I do not have any family 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 O-type blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center anchored 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 durability was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “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 clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘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 sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”