Former NFL star Nick Mangold is in need of a kidney, and he recently took to X to ask for a donation in an emotional plea.
“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, 41, began in a post shared on Tuesday, October 14. “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.”
He went on to explain that he doesn’t “have any family able to donate at this time,” so he was turning to members of the New York Jets and Ohio State University communities for help.
“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 to indicate 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,” he instructed.
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Mangold said that he was “thankful for my family,” adding they have been his “rock every step of the way” during the process. “This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me,” he wrote.
“While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead,” Mangold concluded. “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.”
Despite sharing the health update, Mangold did not reveal why he needs a new kidney.
After he shared the news, several fans took to the comments section to wish him well. “Best of luck man! Hope someone is out there,” one person wrote, while another added, “Praying for you Nick and sharing for visibility.”
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Mangold previously played football at Ohio State from 2002 until 2005. After he graduated, he was selected by the Jets with the No. 29 overall pick in the 2006 NFL Draft.
The athlete played 164 career games over 11 NFL seasons with the Jets before he retired in 2018. He was later inducted into the Jets’ Ring of Honor in 2022.
