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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 Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a first-round pick out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his whole professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified 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 universally praised and he sat out 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 release. “He was the core of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent attendee 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 area when his playing days were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

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

When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”