Beloved NFL great Nick Mangold pleads with own fans to donate kidney

Beloved former New York Jets player Nick Mangold has pleaded with his fans to consider donating a kidney to him.

The 41-year-old NFL great announced he has been battling chronic kidney disease for nearly 19 years and is undergoing dialysis.

He addressed the Jets fan base and his former Ohio State University community in a statement on Tuesday local time.

“This isn’t an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what’s been happening with me and my health,” Mangold said.

“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 and Ohio State communities. I am in need of a kidney donor with type O blood.”

Mangold won a national championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2002.

He included instructions for those “willing to find out if you could be a match and donate a kidney to me” and said he is “deeply grateful” to anyone who considers it.

“This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me,” he said.

“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.”

The Jets drafted Mangold in the first round of the 2006 NFL draft out of Ohio State.

The seven-time Pro Bowler played all 11 seasons with the Jets, where he was a two-time first-team All-Pro and made the second-team All-Pro once.

The franchise inducted Mangold into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022.

In September, Mangold was named as one of 128 modern-era players on the initial list for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026.