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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing 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 led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any family willing 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 an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular 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 stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- 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 clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted 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, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

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