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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the New York Jets, has died at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold revealed he had been receiving dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

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

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

Illustrious NFL 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 team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he sat out only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a statement. “He was the core of our O-line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose guidance and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, charitable work and engaging personality. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. 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 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 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 2012 Olympics in weightlifting.

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