On March 29, 2025, the inaugural Matthew Friedman Memorial Foundation Gala was held at MetLife Stadium—an evening filled with emotion and heartfelt remembrance. The event honored the extraordinary life of Matthew Friedman, a brilliant and passionate young man who tragically passed away at just 19 years old due to a ruptured brain aneurysm on April 12, 2023.
It was a night of tears and triumph, where grief met purpose, and where the love for Matthew Friedman filled every corner of the stadium.
Remembering Matthew Friedman
Although I never had the chance to meet Matthew, those who knew him described him as an ambitious and compassionate individual with dreams of revolutionizing medicine and law. A three-time Best Delegate at the Rutgers Model Congress Conference, Matthew aspired to become a doctor and later serve as a U.S. Senator. His dedication, intellect, and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him, and his legacy continues through the Matthew Friedman Memorial Foundation.
An Unforgettable Evening
The gala was nothing short of extraordinary.
Guests were greeted with champagne, given exclusive access to New York Jets and Giants locker room tours, and even stepped onto the MetLife Stadium field—where legends have played and history has been made.
String musicians set a beautiful and reflective tone, while a live auction raised critical funds through rare sports memorabilia, luxury trips, and VIP event tickets. Every detail was carefully curated, not just to impress, but to inspire—to remind every guest why they were there.
A Father’s Mission: Honoring His Son’s Legacy
I had the privilege of speaking with Brian Friedman, COO of the New York Jets and Matthew’s devoted father.
“The moments are hard, to be honest. It’s still very, very emotional and very raw,” he admitted. “Matthew wouldn’t have wanted me to just sit in a corner. He’d want me out there, doing something.”
When asked about the foundation’s mission, he shared:
“I’m hoping to do just a fraction of the good he would have done in this world if not for being cut short at 19. I want this foundation and his legacy to continue inspiring people—showing them what they can do, how they can make a difference, and how they can impact their communities.”
His words hung in the air—a testament to a father’s love and an unshakable commitment to keeping his son’s light burning bright.
Brian also emphasized the urgent need for more EMTs and first responders, addressing the nationwide deficit in emergency services:
“Our first responders handle close to 28 million calls nationwide. When you don’t have enough EMTs, response times increase—and when seconds count, that can be the difference between life and death.”
The foundation is committed to supporting first responders, ensuring they receive the proper training, support, and resources they need to save lives.
The Importance of Brain Health
One of the most eye-opening moments of the night came from Rich “Big Daddy” Salgado—a prominent insurance and sports mogul, but more importantly, a brain aneurysm survivor.
When asked why this cause was personal to him, he shared:
“Me having an aneurysm, surviving it, and going through the pitfalls—finding out, having surgery, and battling for two years just to get back on my feet—it’s very near and dear to me.”
“This is a silent killer—you don’t know when it’s going to come. Not everyone is as fortunate as I was to catch it before it ruptured.”
Salgado didn’t just talk about survival—he’s spent years advocating for awareness after personally battling through surgery and a two-year recovery. He recalled the moment his doctor, Dr. David Chalif, looked him in the eyes and told him:
“You could do a lot of good for us.”
That conversation changed his life, leading him to dedicate his time to saving others before it’s too late.
His message to the audience was simple, yet life-changing:
“Go get scanned. If you have a family history, find out. Insurance covers scanning—take advantage of it.”
The NFL’s Role in Supporting Brain Health
The New York Jets played a major role in supporting the event, both as a sponsor and host. The gala also welcomed NFL Alumni, including Super Bowl champion Marvin Washington, a former Denver Bronco and New York Jet.
Washington, who has been friends with Big Daddy for 35 years, shared his thoughts on head injuries in sports and player safety.
“I played in the Dark Ages. I retired in 2000, man. The NFL has come a long way—changing rules, doing research, and prioritizing player safety. But football is still a collision sport.”
While the NFL has made strides, Washington emphasized that brain health isn’t just a sports issue—it’s a life issue. The foundation’s mission extends beyond the field and into everyday lives, ensuring people take charge of their health before it’s too late.
A Night of Celebration and Giving Back
The night concluded with panel discussions featuring NFL Alumni, an award ceremony for the first recipients of the Matthew Friedman Memorial Scholarships, and of course, an evening filled with remembrance, inspiration, and hope.
Four exceptional young adults were recognized for their dedication to medicine and emergency services, ensuring Matthew’s passion for making a difference lives on through others.
The Takeaway: Awareness Saves Lives
This gala was more than just an event—it was a call to action. Brain health awareness is a matter of life and death, and if there’s one lesson to take from the evening, it’s to take this seriously.
Get checked. Appreciate every moment. And support those working to make a difference.
Matthew Friedman was taken from this world far too soon, but his story isn’t over. Through the foundation, awareness, and the people fighting in his name, his legacy will continue to change—and save—lives. To get involved and support the cause, visit:
www.matthewfriedmanmf.org
“Dream big and seize your potential.” – Matthew Friedman
