Former Ohio State and New York Jets star Nick Mangold is reaching out to fans for help after he revealed Tuesday he is in need of a kidney transplant.
In a statement posted on social media, Mangold, 41, said there are no family members who are able to donate a kidney. Mangold was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease in 2006, which was his first season in the NFL.
“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” Mangold writes. “Unfortunately, I do not have any family able to donate at this time, so this is why I’m reaching out to you, our N.Y. Jets and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”
He writes that anyone interested in donating should go to the website https://columbiasurgery.org/kidney-transplant and click the link I WANT TO DONATE MY KIDNEY. Potential donors should use Mangold’s full name, Nicholas Mangold, and his birthday, 1/13/1984.
“I am deeply grateful to anyone that would consider donating,” he writes.
Mangold said he has had a “rough summer” and is undergoing dialysis.
“While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead,” he said. “I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon.”
Mangold is a native of Centerville, Ohio. The center played at Ohio State from 2002 to 2005 and was a three-year starter. He was drafted by the Jets with the 29th overall pick in 2006.
He played 11 seasons with the Jets and was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. He also was first-team All-Pro twice and second-team All-Pro once. He is a member of the Jets Ring of Honor.
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