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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has died at the young age of 41.

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult 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 thought I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m appealing to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious 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, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the center fortified an O-line alongside 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 resilience 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 release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets matches after his playing days – he downed a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, becoming 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 something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “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 released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and community behind me.”