ESPN analyst Rex Ryan was visibly emotional on air as he learned about the passing of his former player, Nick Mangold, who died at the age of 41 due to complications from kidney disease. The news of Mangold’s death was confirmed by his former team, the New York Jets, in a statement released on Sunday. Ryan paid tribute to Mangold during the Sunday NFL Countdown, recalling their years together with the Jets.
“It’s brutal,” Ryan remarked, fighting back tears. “Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember my last game — Mangold was injured, and he came to me and said, ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me, and that’s what I’ll always remember about him.” He concluded with heartfelt reflections on Mangold’s life, emphasizing that he was taken too soon.
Mangold dedicated his entire professional football career, spanning 11 seasons, to the New York Jets, playing from 2006 to 2016. After a year off from the sport, he officially retired in 2018. Under Ryan’s coaching from 2009 to 2014, the Jets made it to the American Football Conference Championship Game in both 2009 and 2010, although they did not secure the title.
In a poignant turn of events, Mangold had recently disclosed his battle with a genetic defect that led to chronic kidney disease. He shared this challenging news with his fans via social media, seeking kidney donors due to the complications he faced. “After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant,” he wrote. “I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time.”
Nick Mangold is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their four children. The New York Jets honored Mangold’s legacy, stating, “His legacy is etched into the very fabric of our organization.” They expressed their condolences to his family and highlighted the profound impact he had on the team and its fans. Mangold represented everything that it means to be a Jet, characterized by pride, resilience, and commitment to excellence.
This tragic loss not only resonates throughout the Jets organization but also across the wider football community, reminding everyone of the bonds formed through the sport. Mangold’s legacy and the memories he created with teammates and fans will be cherished for years to come.
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