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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his 11-season career with the New York Jets, has passed away at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing 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 college.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Regrettably, I do not have any family willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our Jets and Ohio State communities. 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 franchise, earning 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the center led an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a nominee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was universally praised and he missed only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the soul of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s wit, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular visitor to Jets games after his playing days – he downed a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, becoming an 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 impart them a something about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting fired, 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 married to his longtime partner, Jenny, with whom he had four kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sibling, Holley, represented USA at the London Games in weightlifting.

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