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

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection 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 a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing personality. He was active on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an assistant 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 something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing 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 four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he announced his illness he praised his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”