Jim Murdoch

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Oct 27, 2025, 5:29 PM

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Updated

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Over the weekend, 41-year-old Jets superstar center Nick Mangold lost his battle with kidney disease.

Following Mangold's death, organizations like the New Jersey Sharing Network are hoping this tragedy is a wake-up call for people to get involved and help others.

“Just enjoy each other, enjoy trying to have a little time with the kids best you can," Mangold previously told News 12.

That was the message from Mangold during a conversation with News 12’s Eric Landskroner about life during the COVID-19 lockdowns in early 2020.

The famed New York Jet and father of four died Saturday night. The Madison resident died waiting for a transplant.

While you may recognize his voice, but not his face, local traffic reporter Bob Williams knows the anxiety of being on a waitlist for years, until a donor was found.

RELATED: Nick Mangold, popular All-Pro Jets center, dies from kidney disease

His neighbor, Kim Roumes, gave one of her kidneys to save Williams’ life.

“The passing of Nick Mangold is just extremely sad,” said Williams.

Williams wants others to get involved if they can because he says he's one of the lucky ones.

“If it wasn’t for Kim, I wouldn’t be talking to you right now. I’d be on a machine or probably not be alive,” said Williams.

That’s where the New Jersey Sharing Network comes in. The organization helps raise awareness and break down the myths about organ and tissue donations.

“There are currently 100,000 people waiting for a lifesaving transplant in the United States, 4000 waiting right here in New Jersey,” explained Kelly Bonventre, with the New Jersey Sharing Network.

Bonventre says awareness is as simple as registering to become a donor at any Motor Vehicle Center, or using your iPhone’s health app.

“We hope people will say yes to organ and tissue donation because that is what’s going to help us save more lives,” said Bonventre.

“I wish there was something someone could have done to help him out like someone helped me,” said Williams.

To learn more about the New Jersey Sharing Network, CLICK HERE.