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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State families. I am in search 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 spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center led an O-line together with 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 durability was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”