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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

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

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted 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 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 mold young men into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled 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 fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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 London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his family, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”