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Nick Mangold, a cherished player during his eleven-year career with the New York Jets, has died at the young age of 41.

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m on dialysis as we seek a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had longer.

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

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent his whole professional football career with the team, earning 7 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 O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently 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 legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a statement. “He was the heartbeat of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and toughness defined an period of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s humor, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, known for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and engaging character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his retirement – he downed a beer while being honored 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 assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct 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 coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he recalled his former player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” 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 obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he comes to me and states, ‘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, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he paid tribute to his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”