Former University of Michigan counselor Greg Harden has passed away at the age of 75.
Harden has served as an advisor to Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard and JJ McCarthy.
Dave Ablauf, a spokesman for the University of Michigan athletics department, said Harden's family notified the athletics department that he died Thursday due to complications from surgery.
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Greg Harden throws the ceremonial first pitch before the top of the first inning during a baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals on 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 staff consultant and student-athlete individual development program counselor.
Howard, a 1991 Heisman Trophy winner at Michigan, was one of the first Wolverines to consider Harden a confidant, mentor and friend.
“Greg brought wisdom, joy and a gentle nature to every encounter,” Howard said. “He will be missed by all of us.”
“My family and I are heartbroken, but we will always remember the lessons, guidance and memories Greg left behind. We are all incredibly blessed to have had him in our lives.”
Brady, who played college football at the University of Michigan before winning seven Super Bowls during a 22-year NFL career, credits Harden for his success.
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“He has meant the world to me and I could not have achieved the success I have without the time, energy, love and support he has given me,” Brady said.
Harden played a key role in McCarthy's recent run as quarterback at Michigan to victory.
The Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback sent his thoughts to the school in the form of a letter addressed to Harden.
“You have given me courage and faith as I have fought hand in hand with the demons I have battled my whole life,” McCarthy wrote. “You have inspired me with your ability to love everyone and everything unconditionally.”
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Former Michigan Wolverines player Greg Harden hands the ball to coach John Beilein in celebration of his 800th career win before the game against the Holy Cross Crusaders at Crisler Center. (Rick Osentoski-USA Today Sports)
A Detroit native, Harden earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of Michigan.
He retired from his role as director of counseling for the University of Michigan athletic department in 2020. He continued working after that, coaching student-athletes at the University of Michigan and as a top performance coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL team.
Last year, he published his first book, Staying Sane in a Crazy World: How to Thrive by Controlling the Controllable.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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