Rex Ryan shares touching Nick Mangold story after Jets legend's sudden passing

The New York Jets and their fanbase lost one of the most respected men and excellent performers in franchise history on Sunday morning, as former All-Pro center Nick Mangold passed away at age 41 following complications from kidney disease.

While many have tributes to share that attest to Mangold's high character, former Jets head coach Rex Ryan knows Mangold as well as anyone after coaching him for six seasons. Ryan, who was in tears after hearing the news, showed just how devoted a teammate and leader Mangold was.

Ryan shared a touching story that showed just how passionate Mangold was about football and playing for the Jets on Sunday NFL Countdown. In what would be Ryan's last game in charge before his firing, Mangold, who was extremely injured, decided to suit up for one last game to make sure he paid the proper respect to his respected coach.

Acts like that are why no one who has spent any amount of time around Mangold has one bad word to say about him. Losing Mangold leaves a giant crater in the heart of this organization that might not be filled any time soon.

Former Jets coach Rex Ryan shares touching Nick Mangold story

Between Mangold and Kevin Mawae, whom the Ohio State star succeeded upon entering the NFL, the Jets may end up with almost 20 years of unbroken Hall of Fame-level center play. Mangold has certainly built up a very deserving case for induction into Cooperstown.

Mangold was named a Pro Bowler seven times and an All-Pro three times in 11 seasons. Mangold, who only missed four games in his first 10 seasons in the NFL, teamed with fellow 2006 first-round draftee and longtime Jets left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson to lock in two-fifths of the New York offensive line for the next decade.

Being able to make a Pro Bowl at age 24 and age 31 at the center position is incredibly hard to do, but Mangold's blend of toughness, veteran savvy, and leadership helped him anchor some of the best Jets teams in franchise history during the peak of his powers.

As Ryan can attest, Mangold is an even better human being than he was a football player, and his desire to be the best he could be for Jets fans was unmatched. Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with the Mangold family and anyone else impacted by this tragic development.