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Nick Mangold, an adored athlete during his eleven-year tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Medical Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold revealed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from supporters of the Jets and Ohio State, where he shone in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I hoped I would have had more time.

“Sadly, 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 followers. I am in need 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 dedicated his entire professional football career with the team, securing seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive 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 highly respected and he sat out only 4 games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a cherished teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets games 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 career were over, taking on the role of an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into adults and instruct the sport of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with the press in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a great person. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and says, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.”