Jets legend Nick Magnold shared on social media Tuesday that he is undergoing dialysis as he pursues a kidney transplant.
"In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease," he said. "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 had more time."
Mangold, a center who was the 29th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, started each of the 171 games he played with the Jets. A two-time first team All-Pro (2009 and '10) and second team All-Pro in 2011, he still lives within a stone's throw of 1 Jets Drive and remains part of the fabric of the organization.
Mangold, 41, said he does not have family able to donate at this time, so he reached out to fans in the hope he can find a match. He and his wife Jennifer, who have four children, started their Jets' journey with the club on Long Island two decades ago, transitioned with the team to New Jersey in 2008 and planted their flag down the street.
"Being able to finish out my career here, being able to play for only one team is something really special to me," Mangold said last November on The Official Jets Podcast. "It's a great team to be a part of, this fan base is as passionate as they come, loyal as all get-out and dying for a winner."
From Day 1 of the 2006 season, Mangold started and played in every Jets game from '06 until early 2011, 89 games in all including seven playoff games. After a high ankle sprain sustained against Jacksonville kept him out of two games, he returned to the lineup to start the Jets' next 59 games. His 171 starts included 7 postseason contests.
In September, Mangold was on the Pro Football Hall of Fame's initial list of 128 Modern Era nominees. Over 11 NFL seasons, he made 7 Pro Bowls. The longtime rock of the Jets' offensive line has remained upbeat and hopeful as the tackles his next challenge.
"I'm thankful for my family, who have been my rock every step of the way," he said. "This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me."
Nick Mangold's Letter to Jets Community
To My NY Jets community,
This isn't an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what's been happening with me and my health.
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 had more time.
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 community. 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 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.
Most of all, I'm thankful for my family, who have been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.
While this has been a tough stretch, I'm staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I'm looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I'll see you all at MetLife Stadium very soon.
With Gratitude and Go Jets!,
Nick Mangold
https://columbiasurgery.org/kidney-transplant
