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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach 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 not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years 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 desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed 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 announced his condition he thanked his family, stating 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 community behind me.”