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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

“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 wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

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

Storied 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 franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line alongside 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 resilience was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, 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 matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored 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 assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”