Rex Ryan gives tearful reaction to death of Jets legend Nick Mangold: 'Great young man'

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Eric Decker reflected on his time with the New York Jets and said he believes the winless team can still turn things around.

The NFL world is in mourning, as New York Jets legendary center Nick Mangold died Saturday night due to complications from kidney disease.

The team’s Ring of Honor member, who spent all 11 of his NFL seasons with New York, was just 41 years old.

Rex Ryan, who coached Mangold for six of those seasons, was heartbroken while serving his duties on ESPN’s "Sunday NFL Countdown."

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Head Coach Rex Ryan of the New York Jets shares a laugh with center Nick Mangold before the game against the Cincinnati Bengals when the Jets host the Cincinnati Bengals at New Meadowlands Stadium on Aug. 21, 2011 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Al Pereira/New York Jets)

"It’s brutal. Such a great young man," Ryan, choking back tears, said on the panel.

Mangold was a fan-favorite as well as a beloved member of the Jets in the locker room, respected by his teammates and coaches since he was drafted 29th overall in the 2006 class out of Ohio State.

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He revealed in a social media post earlier this month that he learned he had a "genetic defect" which led to his kidney disease that year. He had asked his followers for a kidney donor with O-type blood, and was hoping for better days ahead.

"While this has been a tough stretch, I’m staying positive and focused on the path ahead. I’m looking forward to better days and getting back to full strength soon. I’ll see you all at MetLife Stadium & The Shoe very soon," Mangold wrote in his