Jets legend Nick Magnoud shared on social media on Tuesday that he was undergoing dialysis while undergoing a kidney transplant.
“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that causes chronic kidney disease,” he said. “After a difficult summer, I was on dialysis while seeking a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time.”
Mangold, a center who was selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, started every one of his 171 games with the Jets. A two-time first-team All-Pro selection (2009 and '10) and a second-team All-Pro selection in 2011, he still lives just a stone's throw away from 1 Jets Drive and remains a part of the organization.
Mangold, 41, said he currently has no family members who can donate, so he's reaching out to fans in hopes of finding a match. He and his wife, Jennifer, who have four children, began their Jets journey with the club on Long Island two decades ago and moved with the team to New Jersey in 2008, planting their flag in the streets.
“Being able to finish my career here and being able to play for just one team is really special to me,” Mangold said on the Official Jets Podcast last November. “This is a great team to be a part of, a group of fans who are passionate, loyal and driven to win.”
Mangold started on Day 1 of the 2006 season and appeared in every Jets game from 2006 to early 2011, a total of 89 games, including seven playoff games. After suffering a high ankle sprain against Jacksonville that caused him to miss two games, he returned to the starting lineup and started the Jets' next 59 games. His 171 starts included seven playoff games.
In September, Mangold was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame's initial list of 128 modern-era nominees. In 11 NFL seasons, he was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times. The longtime pillar of the Jets offensive line remains optimistic and hopeful as he takes on his next challenge.
“I am grateful for my family who have been my rock every step of the way,” he said. “This situation reminds me how lucky I am to have such amazing family, friends and community supporting me.”