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

Health Battle and Public Appeal

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

“Back in 2006, I was diagnosed to have a hereditary condition that has resulted in chronic kidney disease. After a challenging 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 believed I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our Jets and Ohio State families. 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 spent his entire professional football career with the franchise, earning seven trips to the Pro Bowl and was a league All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that period, the offensive lineman fortified an offensive line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that helped the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is presently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was universally praised and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a iconic center,” franchise ownership said in a statement. “He was the soul of our O-line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, kindness, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Later Life

Mangold was a massive favourite with fans, known for his flowing locks, facial hair, charitable work and engaging character. He was active on digital platforms and was rarely seen without his backwards baseball cap. He was a frequent 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 stayed in the area when his career were over, becoming 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.

Ex- coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his former player on television. “It’s brutal,” Ryan said. “Such a great 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 injured – like, injured – and he comes to me and states, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Family Life and Legacy

Mangold was married to his childhood sweetheart, Jenny, with whom he had 4 kids, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. His sister, Holley, represented USA at the 2012 Olympics in the sport of weightlifting.

When he revealed 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 incredible home, friends, and network behind me.”