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

Health Battle and Community Appeal

Earlier in the month, Mangold disclosed he had been receiving dialysis and needed a kidney transplant. He sought help from fans of the Jets and Ohio State, where he was a star in his collegiate years.

“In 2006, I was found to have a hereditary condition that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis as we search for a kidney transplant,” he stated at the time. “I was always aware this day would come, but I thought I would have had additional years.

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

Storied NFL 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 team, earning seven 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 alongside 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 widely admired and he missed only four games in his initial ten seasons in the league.

“Nick was more than a legendary center,” the team’s owner remarked in a release. “He was the core of our offensive line for a ten years and a respected teammate whose leadership and grit defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a treasured member of our extended Jets family.”

Beloved Figure and Post-Retirement Life

Mangold was a huge favorite with supporters, recognized for his long hair, beard, philanthropy and engaging personality. He was engaged on social media and was seldom spotted without his reverse baseball cap. He was a regular attendee to Jets games 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 playing days 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 life as you go along,” Mangold shared with a newspaper in 2024.

Ex- head coach Rex Ryan, who led Mangold at the Jets, was emotional as he recalled his ex- player on television. “It’s heartbreaking,” Ryan commented. “Such a wonderful young man. I had the honor of coaching him for the full six seasons with the Jets. I recall it was clear I was getting released, my final match, 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 Legacy

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

When he announced his condition he paid tribute to his loved ones, stating they had “been my support every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an incredible home, friends, and community behind me.”