Mark Sanchez breaks his silence with emotional tribute to Nick Mangold

Mark Sanchez speaks out after the death of his former teammate Nick Mangold.

“We lost a good man today,” Sanchez, 38, signed X Sunday, October 26. “I know Nick Mangold will be a hall-of-famer, but there’s more to his story than his accomplishments on the gridiron.”

He continued: “He was more than a teammate. He was my big brother who introduced me to the NFL. He showed me the ropes. He was my friend and confidant. He was a role model and a great father to his children and husband to his wife. Our hearts are heavy. We will miss you. Take it easy amigo. I love you big guy. No. 74.”

Sanchez’s comments came hours after Mangold’s death was announced, and more than three weeks after the former Jets quarterback made headlines after he was stabbed and later arrested following an alleged altercation with a 69-year-old truck driver in Indianapolis on Oct. 4.

Mangold, 41, was diagnosed with kidney disease in 2006, his first year in the NFL, he wrote in an Oct. 14 social media post sharing his health struggles and saying he was “looking for a kidney transplant.”

“This is not an easy message to share, but I want to be open about what has been going on with me and my health,” the former Jets center wrote. “In 2006 I was diagnosed with a genetic defect that has led to chronic kidney disease.”

He continued, “After a tough summer, I’m undergoing dialysis as we look for a kidney transplant. I always knew this day would come, but I thought I would have had more time. Unfortunately, I don’t have family who can donate at this time, so that’s why I’m reaching out to you, our NY Jets community.”

Sanchez and Mangold — who played in the NFL for 11 seasons — were on the Jets together from 2009-2013.

Former Jets head coach Rex Ryan also paid an emotional tribute to Mangold on Sunday, October 26 Sunday NFL Countdown.

“It’s brutal,” Ryan said, his voice cracking as he fought back tears. “(He was) such a great young man. I had the pleasure of coaching him all six years with the Jets.”

Remembering when his time with the New York-based football team was coming to an end, Ryan recalled that, despite an injury, Mangold persevered to honor his coach. “He wanted to play for me,” Ryan said. “That’s what I remember about this kid. He was amazing and way too young.”

Mangold is survived by his wife Jennifer and their four children, Matthew, Eloise, Thomas and Charlotte, according to CBS Sports.

Sanchez, who has been charged with a felony in connection with his role in the violent fight, continues to recover from his stab woundsand a Dec. 11 court date has been set for his case.