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

Health Struggle and Community Appeal

In early announcements, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought assistance from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he excelled in college.

“Back in 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I hoped I would have had additional years.

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

Illustrious NFL 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, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the center anchored an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s resilience was highly respected and he sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” franchise ownership stated in a release. “He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit characterized an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, warmth, and steadfast dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a massive favorite with fans, known for his long hair, facial hair, charitable work and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his retirement – he chugged a beer while being honored into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and stayed in the region when his career were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to mold boys into adults and instruct the game of football, but also impart them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful person. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s injured – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

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

When he announced his condition he praised his family, stating they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and community behind me.”