Rex Ryan reacts to dying of former Jets star Nick Mangold: ‘It is brutal’

[ad_1] NEW Now you can hearken to Fox Information articles!

The NFL world is in mourning, as New York Jets legendary heart Nick Mangold died Saturday night time as a result of issues from kidney illness.

The crew’s Ring of Honor member, who spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with New York, was simply 41 years outdated.

Rex Ryan , who coached Mangold for six of these seasons, was heartbroken whereas serving his duties on ESPN’s "Sunday NFL Countdown."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Head Coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets shares amusing with heart Nick Mangold earlier than the sport towards the Cincinnati Bengals when the Jets host the Cincinnati Bengals at New Meadowlands Stadium on Aug. 21, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Al Pereira/New York Jets)

"It’s brutal. Such an excellent younger man," Ryan, choking again tears, mentioned on the panel.

Mangold was a fan-favorite in addition to a beloved member of the Jets within the locker room, revered by his teammates and coaches since he was drafted twenty ninth total within the 2006 class out of Ohio State.

CHAD 'OCHOCINCO' JOHNSON HEARTBROKEN AFTER MISSING CHANCE TO WISH FORMER TEAMMATE RUDI JOHNSON FINAL FAREWELL

He revealed in a social media publish earlier this month that he discovered he had a "genetic defect" which led to his kidney illness that yr. He had requested his followers for a kidney donor with O-type blood, and hoped for higher days forward.

"Whereas this has been a troublesome stretch, I’m staying optimistic and targeted on the trail forward. I’m trying ahead to raised days and getting again to full energy quickly. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very quickly," Mangold wrote in his social publish..

Ryan mentioned he'll always remember the character of his former heart.

Middle Nick Mangold of the New York Jets appears to be like on from the sideline throughout a recreation towards the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Subject on Oct. 9, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (George Gojkovich/Getty Photographs)

"I keep in mind it was apparent I used to be getting fired. My final recreation, Mangold’s injured, like injured. He involves me and says, ‘I’m taking part in this recreation.’ He wished to play for me. That’s what I keep in mind about this child. He was superior and simply method too younger. I really feel so dangerous for his spouse and household," Ryan mentioned as he was consoled by Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss .

The Jets introduced Mangold’s dying earlier Sunday morning.

JETS LEGEND NICK MANGOLD ANNOUNCES HE NEEDS KIDNEY TRANSPLANT: 'LOOKING FORWARD TO BETTER DAYS'

"Nick was greater than a legendary heart," Jets proprietor Woody Johnson mentioned in a press release. "He was the heartbeat of our offensive line for a decade and a beloved teammate whose management and toughness outlined an period of Jets soccer. Off the sector, Nick's wit, heat, and unwavering loyalty made him a cherished member of our prolonged Jets household.

Nick Mangold will endlessly be a Jet."

Mangold made seven Professional Bowls throughout his time with the Jets, whereas making back-to-back first-team All-Execs in 2009 and 2010 – the identical seasons New York went to the AFC Championship Recreation.

Former NFL coach & ESPN analyst Rex Ryan of 'ESPN's Sunday's NFL Countdown' speaks onstage through the ESPN portion of the 2017 Summer season Tv Critics Affiliation Press Tour at The Beverly Hilton Resort on July 26, 2017 in Beverly Hills, California. (Frederick M. Brown/Getty Photographs)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Mangold, an Ohio native, expressed his love for the Jets final November, the place he felt honored to have performed for only one franchise.

"Having the ability to end out my profession right here, with the ability to play for just one crew is one thing actually particular to me," he mentioned. "It is an excellent crew to be part of. This fan base is as passionate as they arrive, loyal as all get-out."