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Rex Ryan broke down on ESPN, Sunday, after learning live on air about the sudden passing of a player he coached for six seasons.
In what was a devastating segment on ESPN’s NFL Countdown, Ryan choked up after colleague Mike Greenberg reported on the death of former New York Jets offensive lineman Nick Mangold — who passed away at age 41 after a bout with kidney disease.
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“It’s brutal,” Ryan said — fighting through tears. “That’s such a great young man.
Ryan told a story about Mangold wanting to play in the game that turned out to be his last before getting fired as head coach of the Jets — and going to great lengths to do it.
“Mangold’s injured — like injured,” Ryan said. “And he comes to me and says, ‘I’m playing this game.’ And he wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about this kid. He was awesome and just way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and family.”
Ryan’s colleague, NFL legend Randy Moss (who recently had his own battle with cancer) consoled the emotional Ryan — putting his hand on his shoulder as Greenberg threw to commercial break.
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The post Rex Ryan Breaks Down On ESPN After Learning of His Former Player’s Sudden Passing in Utterly Devastating Moment first appeared on Mediaite.