(AP) - Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold, a two-time All-Pro who remains one of the most popular players in the team’s history, said on social media on Tuesday that he has kidney disease and needs a transplant.

“I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time,” he wrote in a message directed to the Jets and Ohio State communities.

“While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead,” he said. “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.”

FILE - Former New York Jets player Nick Mangold walks the field before an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sept. 25, 2022, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Source: AP Photo/Adam Hung

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