Jets legend Nick Mangold needs kidney transplant

Jets legend Nick Magnold said on social media Tuesday that he is on dialysis while seeking a kidney transplant.

“In 2006, I was diagnosed with a genetic abnormality that led to chronic kidney disease,” he said. “After a difficult summer, I’m on dialysis while waiting 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 in for the Jets. A two-time first team All-Pro (2009 and 2010) and second team All-Pro in 2011, he still lives just a stone’s throw from 1 Jets Drive and remains a part of the fabric of the organization.

Mangold, 41, said he doesn’t have family able to donate at the moment, so he reached out to fans in hopes of finding a match. He and his wife Jennifer, who have four children, began their Jets journey with the Long Island club two decades ago, moved with the team to New Jersey in 2008 and planted their flag in the streets.

“To be able to finish my career here, to be able to play for one team is something really special to me,” Mangold said last November on the Jets’ official podcast. “This is a great team to be a part of, this fan base is as passionate as can be, loyal as all hell and dying to win.”

From day one of the 2006 season, Mangold started and played in every game for the Jets from 2006 through the start of 2011, 89 games in total, including seven playoff games. After a sprained ankle suffered 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 playoff games.

In September, Mangold was included on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s initial list of 128 modern-era nominees. Over the course of 11 seasons in the NFL, he made 7 Pro Bowls. The longtime Jets offensive line stalwart remained optimistic and hopeful as he tackles his next challenge.

“I am grateful to my family, who have been my pillar every step of the way,” he said. “This situation reminded me how lucky I am to have such amazing family, friends and community behind me.”