Former Jets Coach Rex Ryan Breaks Down Over Nick Mangold's Death at 41

Nick Mangold, a beloved former New York Jets center and seven-time Pro Bowler, passed away at age 41 due to complications from kidney disease, a condition he publicly revealed just two weeks before his death. Mangold had a distinguished 11-year career with the Jets, starting 164 of 176 games and earning multiple All-Pro honors, and was inducted into the Jets' Ring of Honor in 2022. Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold from 2009 to 2014, emotionally remembered Mangold's toughness and leadership, particularly recalling how Mangold played through injury in Ryan's last game as coach. Ryan described Mangold as an ‘‘awesome’’ and ‘‘great young man’’ whose impact extended beyond the field, highlighting their close bond and Mangold's role as a key figure during the Jets’ consecutive AFC Championship runs. The Jets organization, along with numerous former teammates and fans, expressed deep condolences to Mangold’s family. The NFL community mourns the loss of Mangold, regarded as a leader and class act both on and off the field.