Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold has died after suffering complications from kidney disease, the Jets said in a statement on Sunday.

Mangold, 41, a beloved franchise figure who spent all 11 seasons of his NFL career with the club, passed away on Saturday night, the team said.

"Nick was more than a legendary center," Jets Chairman 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."

Earlier this month, Mangold made a public appeal for a kidney transplant, disclosing that he had endured a "rough summer" and had begun dialysis treatments. The

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