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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back 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 look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed I would have had more time.

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

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that period, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s heartbreaking,” 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, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”