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The NFL world is in mourning, like New York Jets legendary center Nick Mangold died Saturday night due to complications from kidney disease.
The team’s Ring of Honor member, who spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with New York, was just 41 years old.
Rex Ryanwho coached Mangold for six of those seasons, was heartbroken while serving his duties on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
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New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan shares a laugh with center Nick Mangold before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals as the Jets host the Cincinnati Bengals at New Meadowlands Stadium on August 21, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Al Pereira/New York Jets)
“It’s brutal. Such an amazing young man,” Ryan, choking back tears, said at the panel.
Mangold was a fan favorite as well as a beloved member of the Jets locker room, respected by his teammates and coaches since he was drafted 29th overall in the 2006 class out of Ohio State.
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He revealed in a social media post earlier this month that he learned he had a “genetic defect” which led to his kidney disease that year. He had asked his followers for a kidney donor with type O blood and hoped for better days ahead.
“Although this has been a tough stretch, I remain positive and focused on the road ahead. I look forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I will see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon,” Mangold wrote in his social post.
Ryan said he will never forget the character of his former center.
Center Nick Mangold of the New York Jets watches from the sidelines during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 9, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)
“I remember it was obvious that I was fired. My last game, Mangold is hurt, like hurt. He comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about this kid. He was great and just way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and family,” Ryan said as he was comforted by Hall of Fame inductee Randy Moss.
The Jets announced Mangold’s death earlier Sunday morning.
JETS LEGEND NICK MANGOLD ANNOUNCES HE NEEDS KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: ‘LOOKING FOR BETTER DAYS’
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets owner 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 valued member of our extended Jets family.
Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet.”
Mangold made seven Pro Bowls during his time with the Jets while making back-to-back first-team All-Pros in 2009 and 2010 — the same seasons New York went to the AFC Championship Game.
Former NFL coach and ESPN analyst Rex Ryan of ‘ESPN’s Sunday’s NFL Countdown’ speaks on stage during the ESPN portion of the 2017 Summer Television Critics Association Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on July 26, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
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An Ohio native, Mangold expressed his love for the Jets last November, feeling honored to have played for just one franchise.
“To be able to finish my career here, to be able to play for just one team is something very special for me,” he said. “It’s a great team to be a part of. This fan base is as passionate as they come, as loyal as any.”
