Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold, a franchise legend who endeared himself to fans and teammates with his blue-collar, every-man demeanor, has died, the team announced Sunday. He was 41.

Mangold's death came 12 days after he made a public appeal for a kidney transplant.

"Nick was more than a legendary center," Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. "He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and toughness defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick's wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family."

On Oct. 14, he announced that he was diagnosed in 2006 with a rare genetic disorder and that he was undergoing kidney dialysis. He directed his message to the Jets and Oh

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