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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated 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 relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. I am in need of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Storied NFL 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 franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership remarked in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region 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 young men into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four 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 paid tribute to his loved ones, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible family, friends, and network behind me.”