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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold shared he had been undergoing dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He reached out for support from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought 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 appealing to you, our Jets and Ohio State followers. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Storied Football Career

Mangold was a top draft selection out of Ohio State for the Jets in 2006. He spent 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 time, the offensive lineman led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets reach two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate 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 legendary center,” the team’s owner said in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and steadfast loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Later Life

Mangold was a huge favourite with supporters, recognized for his flowing locks, beard, philanthropy and outgoing character. He was engaged on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – he chugged a beer while being inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 – and remained in the region when his playing days were over, becoming an coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

“You get to shape boys into men and teach the game of football, but also impart them a something about the world as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

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

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, competed for USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed his illness he thanked his family, saying they had “been my rock every phase of the way. This situation has reminded me how fortunate I am to have such an amazing home, companions, and network behind me.”