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Nick Mangold, an adored player during his 11-season career with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for help from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I believed 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 turning to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in search of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Illustrious 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, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he retired in 2016. During that time, the center led an O-line together with 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 durability was universally praised and he missed only four games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership said in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a respected teammate whose guidance and toughness characterized an period of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with fans, known for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging character. 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 chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the area when his playing days were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold young men into men and teach the sport of football, but also teach them a little bit about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Former head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was clear I was getting released, my final match, Mangold’s hurt – like, injured – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Personal Life and Impact

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, 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 illness he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my rock every step of the way. This circumstance has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”