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Nick Mangold, a cherished athlete during his 11-season tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any family 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 search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman anchored an offensive line together with 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 durability was widely admired and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and outgoing personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee to Jets matches after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold told the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears 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 clear I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he revealed his illness he thanked his loved ones, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an incredible family, companions, and network behind me.”