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

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging 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 more time.

“Regrettably, 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 type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his entire professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line alongside 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 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 heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed 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 adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”