At 75, renowned sports advisor Greg Harden from Michigan passes away, having worked with Tom Brady, Michael Phelps and other notable athletes.
Due to complications from surgery, the school announced Harden's death.
Former University of Michigan counselor Greg Harden has died. He was 75.
Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard, and J.J. McCarthy, among others, were advised by Harden.
The family of Michigan basketball player Zion Harden informed the athletic department that he passed away on Thursday due to complications from surgery.
In 1986, Harden was hired by the late College Football Hall of Fame coach Bo Schembechler as a staff consultant and counselor for student-athlete personal development in the program.
In 1991, Howard, the Heisman Trophy winner from Michigan, was among the first Wolverines to consider Harden as a trusted advisor, mentor, and friend.
Howard said that Greg brought wisdom, joy, and his calming nature to every encounter. His presence will be missed by all of us.
"Despite our grief, we cherish the enduring legacy of Greg, including the lessons, guidance, and memories we shared with him. We are immensely grateful for having had him in our lives."
Brady, who had a successful 22-year NFL career after playing college football at Michigan, attributes his success to Harden.
"Without the time, energy, love, and support he gave me, I could never have had the success I had, and he meant the world to me," Brady stated.
McCarthy's championship run was aided by Harden.
Harden received a letter from the Minnesota Vikings rookie quarterback expressing his thoughts.
"McCarthy wrote, "You gave me the courage and belief as we fought hand in hand against the demons I've spent my entire life fighting. Your ability to unconditionally love everyone and everything has inspired me.""
Michigan earned undergraduate and master's degrees from Harden, who was from Detroit.
He retired from his role as director of counseling for Michigan's athletic department in 2020 but continued to work as the NHL team's peak performance coach, advising student-athletes at both Michigan and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Last year, he released his debut book, "Stay Sane in an Insane World: How to Control the Controllables and Thrive."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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