AJ Hawk, Pat McAfee pay tribute to late Jets, Ohio State star Nick Mangold after his passing

“AJ, I think this would be a good time to let the world know how great of a human Nick Mangold is, was, and everything like that,” McAfee prefaced. “Honestly, I didn’t want to put you on the spot, but I think hearing from friends and loved ones is a good thing for his legacy. AJ, you’ve obviously known him a long time. Just a couple of words that people need to know about him.”

Hawk, visibly emotional, shared memories of his late friend: “Nick was the man. Like, I was nervous to even think about coming on here and talking about it, but yeah, I grew up with the dude. College roommate for four straight years. Unbelievable player. But yeah, there’s just no one else like him on the planet. Super unique dude,” Hawk stated.

“Looking back, seeing pictures of us playing together in sixth grade — every college memory I have is with Nick. … He’s was just a special human. Four kids. His wife called yesterday morning. I knew something was up. It was very, very unfortunate. I just — I can’t believe it. It just doesn’t feel real right now. But Nick is the absolute man. You know, prayers for everyone in his family.”

McAfee followed Hawk’s tribute with heartfelt words of his own, echoing the widespread love and admiration for Mangold across football: “We appreciate you saying good words about him. … I don’t know if there’s another guy that’s as beloved as Nick Mangold has been throughout the football community and society.

“Just so jolly, tough, gritty. Everything we’ve learned about him — through you, through his family, through Rex [Ryan], through teammates, through conversations. The world lost a special, special, special man.”

Mangold’s passing leaves a deep void among those who played with him, against him and cheered for him. Known for his unique spirit, fierce competitiveness and leadership on and off the field, he will be remembered as one of the top players of his generation.

— On3’s Nick Kosko contributed to this article.