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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 Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every step of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”