Former University of Michigan trustee Greg Harden has died. He was 75.
Harden advised Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard and JJ McCarthy, among others.
Michigan athletics spokesman Dave Ablauf said the family had informed the athletic department that Harden had died Thursday due to complications from surgery.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Greg Harden throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the first inning of a baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals, June 19, 2023, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)
The late College Football Hall of Fame coach Bo Schembechler hired Harden in 1986 as a personnel consultant and advisor to the student-athlete development program.
Howard, who won the Heisman Trophy with Michigan in 1991, was part of the first wave of Wolverines to count Harden as a confidant, mentor and friend.
“Greg brought wisdom, joy and his calm demeanor to every encounter,” Howard said. “His presence will be missed by all.”
“While my family and I are heartbroken, we hold on to the lessons, guidance and memories that will always be Greg's legacy. We are blessed beyond measure to have had him in our lives.”
Brady, who won seven Super Bowls in his 22-year NFL career after playing college football at Michigan, credits Harden for his success.
FORMER NFL STAR BART SCOTT GETS REALISTIC ABOUT RETIRING FROM THE LEAGUE: 'I STARTED TO SEE LIGHTS AND GOLDS'
“He meant the world to me and I could never have had the success I had without the time, energy, love and support he gave me,” Brady said.
Harden was instrumental for Michigan's late quarterback, McCarthy, during his championship run.
The Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback sent his thoughts to the school in the form of a letter to Harden.
“You gave me courage and faith as we battled hand in hand with the demons I've spent my entire life fighting,” McCarthy wrote. “You have inspired me with your ability to love everyone and everything unconditionally.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Former Michigan Wolverines player Greg Harden hands a game ball to head coach John Beilein for his 800th victory before the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at the Crisler Center. (Rick Osentoski-USA Today Sports)
Harden, who was from Detroit, earned his bachelor's and master's degrees at Michigan.
He retired from his position as director of counseling for the Michigan athletics department in 2020. He continued to work, counseling Michigan student-athletes alongside the Toronto Maple Leafs as the NHL team's peak performance coach.
Last year he published his first book, “Staying Sane in a Mad World: How to Control the Controllable and Thrive.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital Sports coverage on Xand subscribe to The Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
