Greg Harden, the famed Michigan athletic administrator credited for helping Tom Brady’s ascension to stardom, died, the school announced Friday.
The 75-year-old underwent surgery on Monday, though ensuing complications led to his death.
“I’m heartbroken as he was a dear friend and mentor,” Brady said in a statement. “There are so many beautiful qualities Greg had that endeared him to so many people over his years at Michigan.
“He meant the world to me and I could never have had the success I had without the time, energy, love and support he had given me. He will be truly missed.”
Harden acted as a life coach to countless Michigan athletes during his 34-year tenure and was labeled as the program’s “secret weapon” for his work behind to scenes with them.
Even while working with the likes of Brady, Michael Phelps, Jim Harbaugh, Jalen Rose, Desmond Howard and scores of others, his impact was beyond the playing fields and surfaces in Ann Arbor after being brought onto the staff by Bo Schembechler in 1986.
“There is no one better than Greg Harden and we are devastated as a Michigan family by this news,” Michigan athletic director Warde Manuel said in a statement. “Greg has positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes, coaches, and staff at Michigan. He made an unbelievable impact on my life. I am grateful and lucky to have had him in my life for the past 40 years.
“I will be forever indebted to Greg for all that he did to help shape me into the person that I am today.”
There was no shortage of tributes pouring out across the Wolverines community on Friday.
“There are no words I can form right now that can adequately express the profound loss I am feeling,” Howard, the 1991 Heisman winner and 11-year NFL star said. “I was just 18 years old when I met Greg Harden after arriving at the University of Michigan. Greg was everything you could ever want in a friend, mentor and confidante. His guidance helped change the trajectory of my life and our friendship spanned nearly four decades.”
“I can’t even begin to describe the gut-wrenching feelings that I am experiencing right now,” former Wolverines QB J.J. McCarthy wrote. “The intensity of this pain is so immense only due to the impact that you have had on my life. You gave me the courage and belief as we fought hand and hand against the demons that I’ve spent my entire life fighting. You have inspired me by your ability to unconditionally love everyone and everything. … I am not the person I am today without you, G.”
Harden is survived by his wife Shelia, sister Lynette and children, Brian, Victor and Olivia.