Greg Harden, who advised many people at the University of Michigan, including Tom Brady,
Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard, and J.J. McCarthy, has died. He was 75.
According to Michigan athletics spokesperson Dave Ablauf, Harden died on Thursday as a result of surgical complications.
He meant everything to me, and I could never have achieved my accomplishments without the time, energy, love, and support he provided,
said Brady, a former Michigan quarterback who won seven Super Bowls during the course of his 22-year professional career.
Howard, who won the Heisman Trophy in 1991, was among the first Wolverines to consider Harden a confidant, mentor, and friend.
"Greg brought wisdom, joy and his calming nature to every encounter," Howard told me. "We will miss his presence.
"My family and I are heartbroken, but we will always remember Greg's lessons, leadership, and memories. We are truly privileged to have him in our life.
Harden, a Detroit native, attended Michigan for both his undergraduate and master's degrees.
Following his success at the 2004 Athens Olympics, Phelps resided and trained in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and worked with Harden on his mental health.
Harden retired as director of counseling at Michigan's sports department in 2020. He continued to work
mentoring Michigan student-athletes and serving as the peak performance coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League.