Greg Harden, who mentored countless people at the University of Michigan including Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard and JJ McCarthy, has died. He was 75.
Michigan athletics spokesman Dave Ablauf said the family informed the athletics department that Harden died Thursday due to complications from surgery.
“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, a former Michigan quarterback who won seven Super Bowls in a 22-year career, wrote on social media.
Bo Schembechler, a former College Football Hall of Fame coach, hired Harden in 1986 as a personnel consultant and advisor to the student-athlete development program.
Howard, who won the Heisman Trophy 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 calming nature to every encounter,” said Howard, an ESPN college football analyst. “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.”
Phelps lived and trained in Ann Arbor, Michigan, after emerging as a swimming star at the 2004 Athens Olympics, and worked on his mental health with Harden.
Harden, a Detroit native, earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from Michigan. He retired from his position as director of counseling for Michigan's athletic department in 2020 but continued to work, counseling Michigan 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.”
Michigan athletics announced Harden's death and shared statements from some of the many people who knew him.
Greg Harden, the man who positively impacted the lives of so many people, dies
» image.twitter.com/zXhr0Q2s74
— Michigan Athletics 〽️ (@UMichAthletics) September 13, 2024
McCarthy, a rookie quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings, 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.”
Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh, who left Michigan after winning the national title last season, said Harden's perspective was “unlike anyone I've ever known, and his wisdom was unparalleled.”
Coach Harbaugh addresses the passing of Michigan legend Greg Harden image.twitter.com/EGt7hNbZjx
—Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) September 13, 2024
While many famous football players worked with Harden, he was also a trusted advisor to people from all sports and all walks of life, including broadcaster Michelle McMahon, who played volleyball at Michigan.
“He gave his heart to thousands of students, athletes and celebrities without expecting anything in return,” McMahon said. “He dedicated his entire life to making a difference and investing in the growth of the young, impressionable minds who were fortunate enough to know him.
“His captivating presence and charisma captivated the spaces he walked through. Greg's gift to the world was his unwavering ability to help people see themselves in their entirety, fully embracing their flaws and their gifts. His tireless approach made it impossible for his students to give up.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
