Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold died Saturday at age 41 following complications related to kidney disease, his former team announced Sunday.
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The news of his departure is heartbreaking, because the man who was diagnosed with a genetic problem in 2006 had revealed two weeks ago that he hoped to receive a kidney from a blood type O donor in anticipation of a transplant. Unfortunately, the chronic illness that had plagued him for many years took over.
“After a difficult summer, I am undergoing dialysis while we look into the possibility of a kidney transplant. I always knew this day was coming, but I thought I had more time. I don’t have any family members who can currently donate, so that’s why I’m asking you,” he said this month in a press release on his social networks, calling out to all his subscribers.
Mangold retired in April 2018 after totaling 11 seasons in a New York uniform. A first-round pick in 2006, he played 164 regular season games and received seven invitations to the Pro Bowl.
