NEWYou can now listen to PK Press Club articles!
The NFL world is in mourning, as New York Jets Legendary center Nick Mangold died Saturday night 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 carrying out his duties on ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PK Press Club
Head coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets shares a laugh 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. Such a great young man,” Ryan said, fighting back tears, during 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 Ohio State’s 2006 class.
CHAD ‘OCHOCINCO’ JOHNSON IS HEARTBROKEN AFTER MISSING THE OPPORTUNITY TO WISH A FINAL FAREWELL TO FORMER TEAMMATE RUDI JOHNSON
He revealed in a social media post earlier this month that he had learned he had a “genetic abnormality” that led to his kidney disease that year. He had asked his supporters for a kidney donor with type O blood and hoped for better days to come.
“Even though this has been a difficult time, I remain positive and focused on the road ahead. I look forward to better days and will soon be back to full strength. 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 Gojkovitch/Getty Images)
“I remember it was obvious I was going to get fired. My last game, Mangold was hurt, like injured. He comes up to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about that child. He was great and way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and his family,” Ryan said as he was consoled by Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss.
The Jets announced Mangold’s death earlier Sunday morning.
JETS LEGEND NICK MANGOLD ANNOUNCES HE NEEDS KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: ‘WAITING FOR BETTER DAYS’
“Nick was more than a legendary center,” Jets owner Woody Johnson said in a statement. “He was the heart of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose leadership and tenacity defined an era of Jets football. Off the field, Nick’s spirit, warmth and unwavering loyalty made him a valued 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 making consecutive 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)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE PK Press Club APP
Mangold, an Ohio native, expressed his love for the Jets last November, where he felt honored to have played for just one franchise.
“To be able to finish my career here, to be able to play for one team, it’s something really special for me,” he said. “It’s a great team to be a part of. This fan base is as passionate as it gets, loyal to everyone.”
