Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan broke down in tears on ESPN upon hearing the news of his former player Nick Mangold’s death.

The beloved Jets center passed away from complications of kidney disease on Saturday night, the team announced. Mangold was 41 years old.

“It’s brutal. Such a great young man,” Ryan said through tears, receiving the news on air during ESPN’s “Sunday NFL Countdown.”

Rex Ryan mourns the loss of his former player Nick Mangold following his death from kidney disease. pic.twitter.com/xhpJJ0yue3 — ESPN (@espn) October 26, 2025

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Ryan coached the seven-time Pro Bowler for all six years of his tenure at the helm from 2009-2014.

On the broadcast, Ryan reflected on his last game with the Jets — one in which an injured Mangold fought through injury to s

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