Nick Mangold, New York Jets
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New York Jets legend Nick Mangold interacting at a Ring of Honor event at MetLife Stadium.
New York Jets legend Nick Mangold is fighting a “chronic kidney disease,” and he needs your help.
Mangold made the massive announcement on social media with a long statement.
“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease. After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time,” Mangold posted.
He is seeking help from fans of his old teams, the Jets and the Ohio State Buckeyes, to see if he can find a match.
“Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood. If you are willing to find out if you could be a match and donate a kidney to me, please go to this site https://columbiasurgery.org/kidney-transplant and click the link to indicate I WANT TO DONATE MY KIDNEY. Use my full name, Nicholas Mangold, and my birthday 1/13/1984. I am deeply grateful to anyone that would consider donating,” Mangold wrote.
Mangold Is Being Considered for the Pro Football Hall of Fame
On September 24, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 128 modern era players who were nominated for the 2026 class.
22 of the 128 played on the offensive line. 7 of those 22 played the center position. Mangold was one of those select few.
“In the next step in the selection process, a Screening Committee will reduce the list to 50 (plus ties, if any, for the 50th spot). The results of that reduction will be announced in mid-October,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame posted in a press release.
“The full 50-person Hall of Fame Selection Committee then will reduce the list further – to 25 Semifinalists, later this fall. Another vote will create the list of 15 Modern-Era Player Finalists who will be discussed at the annual selection meeting ahead of Super Bowl LX. The Class of 2026 can consist of three, four or five Modern-Era Players under the Hall of Fame’s bylaws,” the PFHOF press release explained.
Jets Had an Embarrassment of Riches at the Center Position
From 1998 through 2016, Jets fans enjoyed elite center play.
It started with Kevin Mawae, who held down the fort for eight seasons. That stretch included two first-team All Pros, four second-team All Pros, and six Pro Bowl nominations. Mawae was inducted into Canton, Ohio in the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2019.
In 2006, the Jets held two first-round draft choices. They used the No. 4 overall pick on offensive tackle D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Then, with the No. 29 overall pick, they selected Mangold out of Ohio State.
Gang Green acquired that additional draft capital in a trade with the Atlanta Falcons for star pass rusher John Abraham. Actually, it was a three-team trade that also included the Denver Broncos.
Mangold went on to have a marvelous 11-year career, all with the Jets. He finished with two first-team All-Pros, a second-team All-Pro, and seven Pro Bowl nominations.