Former New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan gave a heartbreaking reaction to the sudden death of his former center Nick Mangold during the live broadcast of ESPN 's Sunday NFL Countdown .

“It’s brutal. Such a great young man,” Ryan said with tears as he learned of the news.

Ryan, 62, who coached Mangold, 41, during his six seasons with the Jets from 2009 to 2014, revealed that the former All-Pro center played through an injury knowing it would eventually be the coach's final game with the team.

“I remember it was obvious I was getting fired,” Ryan said. “In my last game, Mangold’s injured. And he comes to me and says ‘I’m playing this game.’ He wanted to play for me. That’s what I remember about that kid.”

“He was awesome,” he added. “Just way too young. I feel so bad for h

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