Rex Ryan breaks down on ESPN after Nick Mangold dies at 41
Former New York Jets coach Rex Ryan broke down in tears on ESPN upon hearing the news about his former player Nick Mangold dies.
The Jets’ beloved center died of complications from kidney disease on Saturday evening, the team announced. Mangold was 41 years old.
“It’s brutal. This is a great young man,” Ryan said through tears as he received the news live during ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
Ryan coached the seven-time Pro Bowler throughout his six years at the helm from 2009-14.
On the broadcast, Ryan spoke about his final game with the Jets — a game in which an injured Mangold battled through the injury to appear with his head coach for his final farewell.
“I remember it was clear I was going to be fired,” he said. “My last game, Mangold got hurt. He came up to me and said, ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about that kid.”
“It was great,” Ryan added. “Just so young. I feel bad for his wife and family.”
Mangold died just two weeks after the two-time All-Pro announced his passing on social media He was diagnosed with kidney disease and needed a transplant.
“On behalf of the entire Johnson family and the New York Jets organization, we offer our sincere condolences to Jenny and their four children — Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte — as well as to Nick’s extended family, friends and everyone who loved him,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement.
“Nick Mangold will forever be a pilot.”
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