On Sept. 12, 2024, the Michigan community lost a guiding light. Greg Harden, the longtime Wolverines administrator and mental coach to thousands of Michigan student-athletes, passed away at 75 due to complications from surgery.
This Saturday, the Michigan football team will honor Harden’s legacy during their game against Arkansas State.
Michigan To Have Special ‘G’ Sticker on Helmets in Honor of Greg Harden
In Week 3, the Wolverines will don a special “G” sticker on their helmets in honor of Harden. Additionally, several players and coaches will wear shirts and other apparel with the letter “G.”
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Your legacy will live with us forever. We love you, G! pic.twitter.com/TOAdyXWJf0
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 14, 2024
Harden’s impact at Michigan dates back to 1986, when he first joined the Athletic Department as a staff consultant and counselor for the student-athlete personal development program. Over the years, his mentorship extended to the likes of Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, Heisman winner Desmond Howard, Olympic legend Michael Phelps, and countless others both at Michigan and beyond.
Harden summed up his work by saying, “My real obsession is to convince an individual that they must determine for themselves what sort of man, what sort of woman they want to be. The goal is to make people experts on themselves.”
To understand just how far Harden’s impact extends, we can read the outpouring of heartfelt tributes from former Michigan athletes, coaches, and staff who credit him with shaping their lives both on and off the field.
- Desmond Howard, Michigan Football (1988-91)
“Although my family and I are heartbroken, we hold on to the lessons, guidance, and memories that will forever be Greg’s legacy. We are blessed beyond measure to have had him in our lives.”
- Tom Brady, Michigan Football (1995-99)
“I’m so sad to hear the news of Greg’s passing. I’m heartbroken as he was a dear friend and mentor. 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.”
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- Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Football (1983-86); Michigan Head Coach (2015-23)
“Greg Harden’s purpose in life, as he often talked about, was helping others discover their own. His perspective was unlike anyone I’ve ever met, and his wisdom was unparalleled. Greg was a human backboard, a go-to guy in every way. from my playing days at Michigan, until I woke up today and learned of his passing, he was always there for me. His words, compassion, love, and care will always be there for me, and I’m not unique in saying that – thousands of Wolverines would tell you the same thing.”
- Sherrone Moore, Michigan Head Coach (2024-Present)
“To me personally, he was more than a friend. Greg was a mentor, confidant, and a big brother who would tell us what we needed to hear and guided us through any situation, big or small. He was an incredible human in every way and pushed us all to be great mentally.”
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