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

Medical Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been receiving 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 hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Illustrious NFL 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 franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center led an offensive line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was highly respected and he missed only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a treasured member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular visitor 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 region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into men and teach the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, injured – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

Mangold was married 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 revealed his condition he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”