SAN.Rex Ryan Breaks Down Live on ESPN After Hearing of Nick Mangold’s Death — Viewers Left Heartbroken.
Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan broke down in tears on ESPN upon hearing the news of his former player Nick Mangold’s death.
The beloved Jets center passed away from complications of kidney disease on Saturday night, the team announced. Mangold was 41 years old.
“It’s brutal. Such a great young man,” Ryan said through tears, receiving the news on air during ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
Ryan coached the seven-time Pro Bowler for all six years of his tenure at the helm from 2009-2014.
On the broadcast, Ryan reflected on his last game with the Jets — one in which an injured Mangold fought through injury to show up for his head coach in his final sendoff.
“I remember it was obvious I was getting fired,” he said. “In my last game, Mangold’s injured. And he comes to me and says ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about that kid.”
“He was awesome,” Ryan added. “Just way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and family.”
Mangold passed away just two weeks after the two-time All-Pro announced on social media that 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, their four children — Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte — as well as to Nick’s extended family, friends, and all who loved him,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement.
“Nick Mangold will forever be a Jet.”
