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NFL Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41 After Kidney Disease Battle

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Nick Mangold, legendary New York Jets center, has passed away at the age of 41 after battling chronic kidney disease. He had recently shared his diagnosis with fans and sought help for a kidney transplant.

New York Jets legend Nick Mangold has tragically passed away at the age of 41 due to complications from chronic kidney disease. His death on October 26 follows just two weeks after the former NFL star publicly shared his health struggles with fans, revealing his diagnosis of kidney disease caused by a genetic defect.

Nick Mangold, former #74 of the New York Jets, has tragically passed away at the age of 41 just less than a fortnight after telling fans about his condition (Jerome Davis/Getty Images)
Nick Mangold, former #74 of the New York Jets, has tragically passed away at the age of 41 just less than a fortnight after telling fans about his condition (Jerome Davis/Getty Images)

Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowl selection and beloved figure in Jets history, had been undergoing dialysis and was actively seeking a kidney donor. In a heartfelt post to his social media on October 14, Mangold disclosed his battle with the illness and urged his followers to consider donating a kidney.

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“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” he wrote in his emotional letter. Despite his efforts, including reaching out to the Jets and Ohio State communities for a type O kidney match, Mangold passed away just days later.

Nick Mangold’s career with the Jets spanned 11 seasons, where he earned multiple accolades, including back-to-back First-Team All-Pro honors in 2009 and 2010. His leadership on the field made him a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line and a fan favorite.

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New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold pictured speaking to the press last year (Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)
New York Jets Legend Nick Mangold pictured speaking to the press last year (Jared Silber/NHLI via Getty Images)

After retiring in 2016, Mangold was inducted into the New York Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Jets owner Woody Johnson paid tribute to Mangold, saying, “Nick was more than a legendary center. He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football.”

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Mangold’s passing leaves a lasting void in the NFL community. His family, friends, and fans will continue to remember him for his strength, leadership, and generosity.

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