Former high school rivals reunite for a life-saving kidney transplant

A kidney transplant between two former high school rivals has given Rob Grey a new lease on life. Matt Skahen, his pickleball partner and longtime friend, stepped in to donate one of his healthy kidneys. The successful surgery has already made a noticeable difference for Grey, who no longer faces the prospect of dialysis.

Rob Grey, a former University of Minnesota Gopher kicker and punter, had been battling chronic kidney disease. With over 100,000 people on the US kidney transplant waiting list, his chances seemed slim—only 17,000 receive a kidney each year, and 12 die daily while waiting. But his pickleball partner, Matt Skahen, offered a lifeline.

The two had first met as high school rivals—Grey at Bloomington Kennedy and Skahen at Jefferson—yet their friendship endured. When Skahen learned of Grey's condition, he volunteered for testing. To their relief, they were a perfect match.

The transplant took place without complications, and both men recovered within six weeks. Grey now enjoys renewed energy and mental clarity, a stark contrast to his pre-surgery struggles. Their story comes as the BIÖG (Bundesverband Initiativ Organspende e.V.) continues its push to raise awareness, distributing over 57,000 organ donor cards across Germany in 2025 alone.

Grey and Skahen now hope their experience will inspire others to consider kidney donation. With thousands still waiting for a transplant, their case highlights how a single act of generosity can change—or even save—a life. The pair remain grateful for the second chance and the bond that made it possible.