Rex Ryan, the former head coach of the New York Jets, became emotional while on ESPN upon learning of the death of Nick Mangold, a cherished former player.
The Jets announced that Mangold passed away Saturday night due to complications related to kidney disease. He was just 41 years old.
While on “Sunday NFL Countdown,” Ryan halted mid-sentence, visibly upset, as he remarked, “It’s terrible. He’s such a wonderful young man.”
Ryan had the opportunity to coach Mangold, a seven-time Pro Bowler, throughout his six years with the team, from 2009 to 2014. During the segment, he reminisced about Mangold’s resilience in his final game with the Jets. Despite an injury, Mangold insisted on playing, saying, “I’m playing this game.” It was a moment that stuck with Ryan, bringing back memories of their time together.
“That game made it clear I would be let go,” Ryan recalled. “He wanted to play for me, and that shows the kind of kid he was.” He added, “It’s just too young. My heart goes out to his wife and family.”
Just two weeks prior, Mangold had revealed on social media that he had been diagnosed with kidney disease and was in need of a transplant.
In a statement, Jets owner Woody Johnson expressed condolences on behalf of the Johnson family and the organization. “We extend our deepest sympathies to Jenny and their four children—Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte—as well as to Nick’s extended family and friends. He will always be a Jet.”
