Longtime Michigan sports advisor Greg Harden dies

“Longtime University of Michigan administrator Greg Harden, best known as a mental health coach for thousands of student-athletes who competed for the university, has passed away following complications from surgery,” the athletic department posted on social media. “He leaves behind his wife, Shelia, three adult children – Brian Victor and Olivia – and his sister, Lynette.”

“The family is grateful for the thoughts and prayers, but asks that they be given some privacy as they cope with the loss of their loved one. In the future, they look forward to celebrating Greg's life with many who were fortunate to know him.”

Just last year, Harden wrote a book called Staying Sane in a Crazy World: How to Control the Controllable and Thrive, and not only did Brady write the foreword for it, the book also debuted at number one on all Amazon lists and became a bestseller on the New York Times, USA TODAY, Wall Street Journal and Publishers Weekly lists.

“You inspired me with your ability to love everyone and everything unconditionally,” wrote former UM quarterback JJ McCarthy. “No matter how big or small, how significant or insignificant. You inspired me to seek the truth about who I really am, why I am the way I am, and to lift the veil of my limitless potential. You showed me what true freedom feels like when you helped me escape the cage in my head. But most importantly, you told me the things my ego didn't want to hear. You always guided me to the places within myself I didn't want to confront.