Rex Ryan is grieving the passing of his former player, Nick Mangold, who has died after battling kidney disease.
Rex Ryan, one of the most passionate and outspoken figures in football, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of his former player and longtime friend, Nick Mangold, who has passed away after a difficult battle with kidney disease. The news of Mangold’s death has sent shockwaves through the football community, leaving fans, teammates, and coaches devastated by the passing of a man who was not only one of the best centers to ever play the game but also one of the most beloved personalities in the NFL. For Ryan, who coached Mangold during their years together with the New York Jets, the loss hits particularly hard. Their bond extended far beyond the gridiron — it was built on mutual respect, admiration, and countless moments that defined one of the most memorable eras in Jets history.
Nick Mangold wasn’t just a football player; he was a leader, an anchor, and the heart of the offensive line during his tenure with the Jets. Drafted in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft out of Ohio State, Mangold immediately made his mark with a rare combination of intelligence, toughness, and technique. He was the type of player coaches dream of — dependable, disciplined, and selfless. When Rex Ryan took over as head coach of the Jets in 2009, he inherited Mangold at his prime, and it didn’t take long for him to realize he had something special. Ryan often referred to Mangold as the “ultimate professional,” a player who embodied everything a team could want in a leader.
Ryan’s Jets teams were known for their swagger, their physicality, and their no-nonsense attitude, and Mangold was at the very core of that identity. He wasn’t flashy or loud, but his presence was commanding. He protected his quarterback with fierce loyalty and set the tone in the locker room with quiet authority. Under Ryan’s leadership, the Jets reached back-to-back AFC Championship Games in 2009 and 2010, and Mangold’s dominance in the trenches was one of the biggest reasons why. He was the man responsible for keeping the offense steady and composed in some of the toughest environments in football, from Foxborough to Pittsburgh.
Rex Ryan, known for his fiery personality, often credited Mangold as one of the players who kept him grounded. While Ryan’s energy could sometimes boil over, Mangold’s calm, steady demeanor balanced the emotional highs and lows that came with the job. “Nick was like a coach on the field,” Ryan once said during his coaching days. “He made everyone around him better. He saw things before they happened. You can’t teach that — that’s instinct and intelligence.” Those words now echo with a bittersweet tone as Ryan reflects on the loss of a man he not only coached but deeply respected as a person.
Off the field, Mangold was known for his charisma, humor, and generosity. He was a fan favorite not just because of his play but because of how he carried himself. He embraced the city of New York, often engaging with fans, attending community events, and representing the franchise with class. His personality was a perfect blend of toughness and humility — a blue-collar worker who never forgot where he came from. After retiring, Mangold remained close to the game, offering commentary, mentoring young linemen, and staying connected with his former teammates. His presence was always one of positivity and kindness, making the news of his passing even more painful for those who knew him best.
For Rex Ryan, losing Mangold is like losing family. Their years together created a bond that went beyond football. Ryan often described his players as “his guys,” and Mangold was one of the players who truly fit that description. The coach-player relationship they shared was built on trust and honesty. Ryan pushed Mangold to be great, and Mangold responded with consistency and commitment. It’s rare to find that kind of chemistry in professional sports, where egos and pressures often get in the way, but their relationship thrived because it was rooted in mutual respect.
As the football world comes together to honor Mangold’s legacy, tributes have poured in from across the league. Former teammates have shared stories of his leadership, his work ethic, and his sense of humor. Quarterbacks who played behind him, like Mark Sanchez and Ryan Fitzpatrick, have spoken about how much they trusted him — both as a protector and as a friend. “Nick was the kind of guy you’d go to battle with every single day,” Sanchez said in a post remembering him. “He made you feel safe back there, no matter what the defense was throwing at us.” That level of trust is something that few players ever earn, and Mangold had it from everyone around him.
For fans of the Jets, Mangold’s name will forever be synonymous with excellence and loyalty. In a league where players often change teams, he spent his entire career with one franchise, becoming a symbol of stability and dedication. He represented everything that fans love about football — hard work, resilience, and heart. He wasn’t chasing fame or headlines; he just wanted to play the game the right way. His number 74 jersey became iconic in New York, a reminder of an era when the Jets played with grit and passion, embodying the spirit of their fanbase.
Rex Ryan, known for his emotional side, is expected to speak publicly about Mangold’s passing soon, but those close to him say he’s been deeply affected. For someone who has always worn his emotions on his sleeve, the pain of losing someone who meant so much both personally and professionally is immense. Ryan has always viewed his players as family, and this loss cuts to the core. Those who remember their time together on the sidelines can still picture the moments — the intense pregame speeches, the laughter during practices, and the pride Ryan showed every time Mangold made a key block or guided the offensive line through a tough series.
Mangold’s battle with kidney disease had been largely private. Those close to him say he faced it with the same courage and determination that defined his football career. Even in his toughest moments, he remained positive and focused on the people around him rather than his own struggles. That selflessness — that quiet strength — is what people will remember most. His passing serves as a reminder that behind the helmets and accolades, players are human beings who fight their own battles, often away from the spotlight.
As tributes continue to pour in, one thing is certain: Nick Mangold’s legacy will live on. He will be remembered as one of the greatest centers in NFL history, a consummate professional, and a man who gave everything to the game he loved. For Rex Ryan and the entire Jets family, his loss is immeasurable. But even in grief, there is gratitude — gratitude for the years they shared, the memories they made, and the lessons he left behind.
Rex Ryan’s tears today are not just those of a coach mourning a player but of a man saying goodbye to a brother. The football world mourns with him, united in respect for a giant of the game whose strength, kindness, and legacy will never be forgotten.
