Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41; Rex Ryan Pays Tribute
.jpg "Jets Legend Nick Mangold Dies at 41; Rex Ryan Pays Tribute")
Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan was visibly shaken on ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown after learning of the death of his former player, center Nick Mangold. Mangold, who spent his entire 11-season NFL career with the Jets, passed away at 41 due to complications from chronic kidney disease, a condition he had been managing since 2006. Ryan, who coached Mangold from 2009 to 2014, shared heartfelt memories of the athlete's dedication and character.
Rex Ryan, former head coach of the New York Jets, became emotional on-air during ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown after hearing of the death of his former player, center Nick Mangold. Mangold, who spent his entire 11-season NFL career with the Jets, passed away at 41 due to complications from chronic kidney disease. Ryan, who coached Mangold from 2009 to 2014, recalled the athlete's dedication, sharing a poignant story of how Mangold insisted on playing in Ryan's final game despite being injured.
"It's brutal," Ryan said through tears. "Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember it was obvious I was getting fired. My ... ." Ryan concluded, "He was awesome, and just way too young."
Mangold had been managing chronic kidney disease since 2006 and had recently made a public appeal for a kidney donor. The New York Jets honored Mangold's legacy, emphasizing his lasting impact on the team and his induction into the Jets Ring ... . He is survived by his wife, ... .