Former Ohio State Buckeye Nick Mangold is asking for the help of the New York and Columbus communities.

Tuesday was a sobering reminder that the warriors we cheer on every Saturday and Sunday are mere mortals. 

Former Ohio State standout and New York Jets legend Nick Mangold made his fight public. In 2006, Mangold was diagnosed with a genetic defect that led to chronic kidney disease. He has been fighting for the last 20 years, and now his battle has taken a turn.

Mangold released a statement on Tuesday that he is undergoing dialysis as he continues his quest to find a kidney donor.

His letter to the New York Community reads as follows:

To My NY Jets community,

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

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 community. 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 :

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.

Most of all, I'm thankful for my family, who have been my rock every step of the way. This situation has reminded me how lucky I am to have such an amazing family, friends, and community behind me.

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. I'll see you all at MetLife Stadium very soon.

With Gratitude and Go Jets!,

Nick Mangold

https://columbiasurgery.org/kidney-transplant

Mangold started his football career in Ohio. He was born in Centerville and went to Archbishop Alter High School in Kettering. After his time as a Knight, he enrolled at The Ohio State University in 2002. 

After graduating in 2005, Mangold entered the NFL Draft and was selected in the first round with the 29th overall pick by the New York Jets.

The future Hall of Famer is in need of life saving help.