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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult 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 believed I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – 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 childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, 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, companions, and community behind me.”