Rex Ryan: Former New York Jets center Nick Mangold, one of the most beloved offensive linemen of his generation, has passed away at the age of 41. The team confirmed his death Sunday morning, just two weeks after Mangold publicly revealed he was battling kidney disease and awaiting a transplant.
A seven-time Pro Bowler and cornerstone of the Jets’ offensive line from 2006 to 2016, Mangold’s sudden passing has sent shockwaves through the NFL community, with former teammates, coaches, and fans mourning the loss of a player widely regarded as both a leader on the field and a class act off it. However, when Rex Ryan found out about the death, it shook him to the core.
After learning of Nick Mangold’s death, Rex Ryan breaks down live on TV (watch)
An emotional Rex Ryan reacts to Mangold’s death on live television:
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
During his tenure with head coach Rex Ryan, Nick Mangold served as the emotional and physical anchor of the New York Jets’ offense. From 2009 to 2014, Mangold’s leadership and consistency helped define Ryan’s hard-nosed, ground-and-pound football identity.
He started every game during the Jets’ back-to-back AFC Championship runs in 2009 and 2010, earning two of his seven Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro honors in that span. Ryan frequently praised Mangold for his intelligence at the line of scrimmage and his command of the offense, calling him “the best center I’ve ever coached.”
Their bond extended beyond the field — Mangold often credited Ryan for instilling confidence in the locker room and empowering players to lead with authenticity, a philosophy that helped shape the Jets’ culture during one of the franchise’s most competitive eras.
Here is a brief look at his career accomplishments:
- Games Played: 164
- Games Started: 164
- Seasons Played: 11 (2006–2016)
- Pro Bowl Selections: 7 (2008–2011, 2013–2015)
- First-Team All-Pro: 2 (2009, 2010)
- Second-Team All-Pro: 1 (2011)
- Jets Ring of Honor: Inducted in 2022
- Sacks Allowed: Among the fewest by any center during his era (consistently graded among top 3 by Pro Football Focus)
- Penalties: Averaged fewer than 3 per season — one of the most disciplined offensive linemen of his time
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