Nick Mangold's ex-Jets coach Rex Ryan breaks down in tears in heartbreaking tribute to NFL icon after his death at 41

Ex-New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan paid a heartbreaking tribute to Nick Mangold live on ESPN after his former player's tragic death at the age of 41.

Hours before their game against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Jets announced on Sunday that Mangold has passed away just weeks after making a desperate plea for a kidney donor.

A devastated Ryan, who coached the center throughout the entirety of his six-year spell in New York, broke down while describing him as a 'great young man' during ESPN's Sunday NFL Countdown show on Sunday.

'It's brutal,' he said while fighting back the tears. 'Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years with the Jets.

'I remember it was obvious I was getting fired. My last game, Mangold's injured, and he comes to me and he says, "I'm playing this game." He wanted to play for me.

'That's what I remember about this kid, he was awesome - and it's way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and his family.'

Ryan's ESPN colleague Randy Moss put an arm on his shoulder to console him as host Mike Greenberg said: 'Difficult day obviously for so many who knew and loved Nick Mangold, and you were among those. And all of the Jets family and the Ohio State family is mourning today as well.' 

More to follow.