India, Oct. 26 -- The NFL community was shocked to learn that former New York Jets center Nick Mangold died at the age of 41. The Jets revealed that the seven-time Pro Bowl center passed away due to complications related to kidney disease.

Among others who honored Mangold was former Jets coach Rex Ryan, who relied on the two-time All-Pro to be a mainstay up front during his whole tenure in New York (2009-14).

During his appearance on Sunday NFL Countdown on ESPN, emotional Ryan wit his teary eyes stated, "It's brutal."

"Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets. I remember (when) it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game, Mangold's injured. And he comes to me and says, 'I'm playin...