Michigan’s Greg Harden, who advised Tom Brady, Michael Phelps and more, dies at 75

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Former University of Michigan counselor Greg Harden has died. He was 75.

Harden counseled Tom Brady, Michael Phelps, Desmond Howard and J.J. McCarthy, among others. 

Michigan athletics spokesman Dave Ablauf said the family had informed the athletic department that Harden had died Thursday due to complications from surgery.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Greg Harden throws out the ceremonial first pitch before the first inning of a baseball game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals, June 19, 2023, in Detroit.  (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio, File)

The late Bo Schembechler, a College Football Hall of Fame coach, hired Harden in 1986 as a staff consultant and student-athlete personal-development program counselor.

Howard, who won the Heisman Trophy with Michigan in 1991, was part of the first wave of Wolverines to count Harden as a confidant, mentor and friend. 

"Greg brought wisdom, joy and his calming nature to every encounter," Howard said. "His presence will be missed by all of us.

"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."

Brady, who went on to win seven Super Bowls in his 22-year NFL career after playing college football at Michigan, credits Harden for his success.

EX-NFL STAR BART SCOTT GETS REAL ON RETIRING FROM LEAGUE: 'STARTED SEEING SPOTS AND LIGHTS'

"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," Brady said. 

Harden was instrumental to Michigan’s most recent