Jets Legend Shares Nick Mangold Tribute After Tragic News

"You were amazing, Nick Mangold! It seems like yesterday when we met in 2006," the 49-year-old said. "A vet qb & a rookie center. You always kept things in perspective. Steady & reliable on the field & more importantly in life. My heart breaks."

Pennington and Mangold played together in 2006 and 2007. The two helped New York go 10-6 in 2006 before losing to the 37-16 to the New England Patriots in the AFC Wild Card round. Pennington won his first of two Comeback Player of the Year awards that season.

Rex Ryan Tearfully Remembers Nick Mangold

While Eric Mangini was New York's head coach when it drafted Mangold, Rex Ryan was at the helm for the two aforementioned AFC Championship seasons. The latter coach also worked with the Jets Ring of Honor Member the most, as his tenure lasted from 2009-2014.

Ryan recalled a story about Mangold while fighting tears on Sunday, via ESPN.

"It's brutal. Such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him for all six years [I was coach] with the Jets," the now-ESPN analyst said. "I remember, it was obvious I was getting fired, my last game Mangold is injured -- like injured -- and he comes to me and says, 'I'm playing this game.' And he went in and played for me. That's what I remember about this kid. He was awesome and just way too young. I feel so bad for his wife and family."

Mangold didn't miss a game in his first five seasons and missed just four in his first 10. The Ohio native leaves behind a legacy of toughness, consistency, and enthusiasm.