In a very sad moment that came on ESPN on Sunday, October 26, ESPN NFL commentator and former coach Rex Ryan broke down in tears live on TV, crying about the passing of a player he coached for many years. That player was Nick Mangold, a former New York Jets offensive lineman who passed away at just 41.
For reference, Mr. Ryan’s last job in the NFL was as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, where he was the top guy over 2015 to 2016. Before that, however, he was the head coach of the New York Jets for many years, working in that role from 2009 all the way until 2014. Mangold was the center for the Jets from 2006 all the way until 2016, thus overlapping with Ryan for his entire time with the team.
The two apparently formed at least something of a bond, as Ryan started crying live on TV when his colleague, Mike Greenberg, reported on the show that Mr. Mangold had passed away at 41 after a battle with kidney disease. Fighting through the tears, Ryan said, “It’s brutal. That’s such a great young man.”
Continuing, Mr. Ryan told a story about Mangold’s time on the team, adding afterward that he feels horrible for the deceased former player’s family. He said, sharing the sweet story, “[I had] the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets, and I remember it was obvious I was getting fired my last game. Mangold injured, like injured, and he comes to me says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome. And is this way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and family.”
Ryan’s colleague, summarizing how they all felt about the tragic death, said, “Rough, difficult day, obviously, for so many who knew and loved Nick Mangold, and you among those, and all of the Jets family, the Ohio State family, is mourning today as well. Nick Mangold, gone at just the age of 41.”
Watch them here:
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Announcing Mangold’s death around noon on Sunday, the Jets website said: “Nick Mangold, the Jets’ celebrated center and one of the all-time greats to wear the Green & White during and after his playing career, passed away from complications of kidney disease Saturday night. He was 41.”
Jets Chairman Woody Johnson, for his part, said, “Nick was more than a legendary center. 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 cherished member of our extended Jets family.”
Similarly, Jets Vice Chairman Christopher Johnson said, “Nick was the embodiment of consistency, strength, and leadership. For over a decade, he anchored our offensive line with unmatched skill and determination, earning the respect of teammates, opponents, and fans alike. His contributions on the field were extraordinary — but it was his character, humility, and humor off the field that made him unforgettable.”
Featured image credit: screengrab from the embedded video