Former New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan, delivered a heartfelt tribute to Nick Mangold live on ESPN, following the untimely death of his former player at just 41 years old.

On Sunday, just hours before the Jets faced off against the Cincinnati Bengals, the team announced the tragic passing of Mangold. This news came shortly after Mangold had publicly sought a kidney donor.

Ryan, who coached Mangold during his entire six-year tenure with the Jets, was visibly emotional on ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown. He tearfully praised Mangold as a ‘great young man’ and expressed his sorrow over the loss.

Recalling a memorable moment, Ryan shared, “I remember when it was clear I was going to be fired. In my last game, even though Mangold was injured, he came to me and said, ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me.”

Ryan continued, “That’s what I remember about him; he was incredible. His passing is way too soon. My heart goes out to his wife and family.”

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan paid a heartbreaking tribute to Nick Mangold live on ESPN

Mangold (right), who played under Ryan for six years in New York, has died at the age of 41 after a battle with kidney disease

Ryan’s ESPN colleague Randy Moss put an arm on his shoulder to console him as host Mike Greenberg said: ‘Difficult day obviously for so many who knew and loved Nick Mangold, and you were among those. And all of the Jets family and the Ohio State family is mourning today as well.’ 

Mangold, who played his entire 10-year NFL career with the Jets, revealed only 12 days ago that he desperately needed a transplant as he battled chronic kidney disease.

But on Sunday, the team announced that their former player had lost his battle with the disease on Saturday night.  

‘Nick was more than a legendary center,’ said Jets chairman Woody Johnson, who called him ‘one of the greatest to ever wear the green and white.’

Johnson continued: ‘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.’ 

Back in 2006, he was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder and, earlier this month, Mangold announced that he needed a new kidney, issuing a public plea to fans as he searched for a donor. He shared four children with his partner, Jenny – Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte.   

‘After a rough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have more time,’ the 41-year-old said.

Mangold, who said he was looking for a donor with Type O blood, paid tribute to his family for being his ‘rock every step of the way.’

The legendary center recently revealed he needed a new kidney and issued a plea for a donor 

Mangold tragically leaves behind partner Jenny and their four children – Matthew, Eloise, Thomas, and Charlotte. 

Ryan described his former player as a ‘great young man’ in an emotional tribute to him

‘While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead,’ he added. ‘I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon.’  

Mangold was selected by the Jets in the first round of the 2006 draft and went on start 164 games for New York, earning seven Pro Bowl selections.

The center won a national championship with the Ohio State Buckeyes and later played in seven playoff games for the Jets.

His career in New York came to an end after the 2016 campaign, during which he suffered a season-ending ankle injury.

The Jets released him in the offseason but welcomed him back on a one-day deal in 2018 so he could retire with the franchise.