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Nick Mangold, a beloved athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a difficult 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 hoped I would have had additional years.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the offensive lineman led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a iconic center,” the team’s owner stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. 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 honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the area when his career were over, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into adults and teach the game of football, but also teach them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my last game, 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 Legacy

Mangold was wed to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

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