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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required 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.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to 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 believed I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O 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, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s toughness was highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper 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 heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a great young man. I had the honor of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my final match, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented 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 phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”