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Nick Mangold, a beloved player during his 11-season tenure with the Jets franchise, has passed away at the age of 41.

Health Struggle and Public Appeal

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

“In 2006, I was diagnosed to have a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a challenging summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he explained at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I believed I would have had longer.

“Sadly, I do not have any relatives willing to donate at this time, so this is why I’m turning to you, our NY 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 whole professional football career with the team, securing 7 trips to the Pro Bowl and was an All-Pro twice before he retired in 2016. During that era, the offensive lineman led an O-line together with D’Brickashaw Ferguson that contributed to the Jets advance to two AFC championship games. He is currently a candidate for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Mangold’s durability was widely admired and he sat out only 4 games in his first 10 seasons in the league.

“Nick was not just a legendary center,” the team’s owner stated in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a beloved teammate whose guidance and grit defined an era of Jets football. Away from the game, Nick’s humor, kindness, and unwavering dedication made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”

Fan Favorite and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, charitable work and engaging character. He was engaged on social media and was rarely seen without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games after his playing days – 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 coach for Delbarton High School in Morristown, New Jersey.

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

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led 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 person. I had the pleasure 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 says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he desired to play for me.”

Personal Life and Legacy

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

When he announced his condition he praised his loved ones, saying they had “been my support every phase of the way. This circumstance has made me realize how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, companions, and community behind me.”