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The NFL world is in mourning, as New York Jets Legendary center Nick Mangold died Saturday night due to complications from kidney disease.
The member of the team’s Ring of Honor, 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 on duty on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
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New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan laughs with center Nick Mangold before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals when 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. He’s a great young man,” Ryan said, fighting back tears, at the panel.
Mangold was a fan favorite and 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” that caused kidney disease that year. He had asked his followers for a kidney donor with type O blood and hoped for better days in the future.
“While this has been a difficult stretch, I remain positive and focused on the road ahead. I look forward to better days and regaining my full strength soon. I will see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon,” Mangold wrote in his social media post.
Ryan said he will never forget his former center’s character.
New York Jets center Nick Mangold looks on from the sideline 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 they were going to fire me. In my last game, Mangold was hurt, really 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 unbelievable and too young. I feel so bad for his wife and his family,” Ryan said while being comforted by Hall of Fame catcher Randy Moss.
The Jets announced Mangold’s death Sunday morning.
JETS LEGEND NICK MANGOLD ANNOUNCES HE NEEDS A KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: ‘WAITING 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 beloved member of our extended Jets family.
Nick Mangold will always be a Jet.”
Mangold made seven Pro Bowls during his time with the Jets, while he was back-to-back first-team All-Pros in 2009 and 2010, the same seasons New York reached the AFC Championship Game.
Former NFL coach and ESPN analyst Rex Ryan of ‘ESPN’s Sunday’s NFL Countdown’ speaks onstage 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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Mangold, an Ohio native, expressed his love for the Jets last November, where he felt honored to have played for only one franchise.
“Being able to finish my career here, being able to play on one team is something really special for me,” he said. “It’s a great team to be a part of. This fan base is as passionate as they come, loyal to a fault.”
