Former New York Jets All-Pro centre Nick Mangold has died at the age of 41 due to complications from kidney disease.

Jets chairman Woody Johnson paid tribute to Mangold, calling him “the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade” and “a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football.” Johnson added that Mangold’s humour, warmth, and loyalty made him a cherished part of the Jets family.

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Mangold revealed earlier this month that he was seeking a kidney donor after years of battling a genetic condition that led to chronic kidney disease. In a post on social media, he wrote that he had recently begun dialysis and was preparing for a transplant.

Mangold, one of the 52 modern-era candidates for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, was honoured by the Cincinnati Bengals with a moment of silence before their game against the Jets on Sunday.

Drafted 29th overall by the Jets in 2006, the Ohio State alumnus became a cornerstone of their offensive line, starting all 164 regular-season games and seven playoff appearances over 11 seasons. He earned first-team All-Pro honours in 2009 and 2010 and was inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.

Mangold retired from the NFL in 2018 after signing a one-day contract to end his career as a Jet. Vice chairman Christopher Johnson said, “Nick embodied consistency, strength, and leadership… his character, humility, and humour made him unforgettable.”

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