Nick Mangold, a legendary player in the history of the New York Jets, has died suddenly from complications of kidney disease, the team announced Sunday.

The news comes two weeks after the seven-time NFL Pro-Bowler revealed he was undergoing dialysis and looking for a kidney donor. He was 41.

Mangold said in a letter to the Jets community that he was diagnosed with a genetic defect in 2006, which led to his chronic kidney disease. The letter said he had been going through a “tough stretch” recently.

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“More than a legendary center”

Mangold played his entire career with New York from 2006-2016. He was inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor in 2022 as one of the greatest centers of all time.

“Nick was more than a legendary center. 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,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement on the team’s website. “Off the field, Nick’s wit, warmth, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our extended Jets family.”