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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“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 always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Storied 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 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years 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.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained 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 mold boys into men and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the honor 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, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his condition he praised his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and network behind me.”