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

Medical Struggle and Public Appeal

Earlier this month, Mangold disclosed he had been undergoing dialysis and required a kidney transplant. He sought support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in college.

“In 2006, I was found to have a genetic defect that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained 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 search of a kidney donor with O-type blood.”

Illustrious NFL Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He dedicated his entire professional football career with the franchise, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro on two occasions before he stepped away in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman fortified an O-line alongside D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to 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 sat out only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” the team’s owner said in a statement. “He was the soul 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 wit, warmth, and steadfast loyalty made him a cherished member of our broader Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, recognized for his long hair, facial hair, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was active on social media and was seldom spotted without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent visitor to Jets matches after his playing days – 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, taking on the role of an assistant coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape young men into adults and instruct the game of football, but also teach them a little bit about life as you go along,” Mangold told a newspaper in 2024.

Former coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was in tears as he remembered his ex- player on a sports show. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was obvious I was getting released, my last game, Mangold’s hurt – like, seriously hurt – and he approaches to me and states, ‘I’m participating in this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Impact

Mangold was wed to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the London Games in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his condition he thanked his family, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, friends, and network behind me.”