The Michigan Wolverines are mourning the loss of a longtime athletic counselor this week.
Greg Harden died this week at the age of 75 following complications from a recent surgery. Harden worked with many different programs at Michigan, helping athletes in a variety of sports.
He was perhaps best known for his work with the football team, where he helped players like Tom Brady and J.J. McCarthy.
Another Michigan legend, Desmond Howard, took some time during Saturday’s “College GameDay” to speak on his mentor’s life and legacy .
“Greg was a titan. Greg was a person who just wanted to build people up,” Howard said on ESPN Saturday morning.
“He believed in self-mastery, and he wanted to get the best version out of you. That’s what he taught, what he preached. Coach Harbaugh said that his mission was to help people find their purpose, and he was very selfless in that mission.”
Howard also spoke on the impact that Harden had on his personally, noting that he once considered transferring from the school until speaking with him.
“He said ‘What makes you think things are going to be better at another school?’,” Howard said, words that encouraged him to reconsider.
“I left Michigan with a degree in four years and the Heisman. Since then, we’ve been best friends. It’s a tough loss, it’s a huge loss, the Wolverines take the field with a heavy heart.”
Howard added that another friend sent him a quote from a minister who knew Harden.
“Greg was truly God’s gift to humanity. And that’s what he meant to everyone who he crossed paths with.”
Howard was one of the numerous athletes to comment on Harden’s impact following his passing, joining other Michigan players like Brady, McCarthy and Michelle McMahon, a former volleyball player turned broadcaster.
“His captivating presence and charisma captured the rooms he walked in. Greg’s gift to the world was his unwavering ability to help people see themselves fully, in full acceptance of their flaws and their gifts,” McMahon said.
“His relentless approach made it impossible for his mentees to give up on themselves.”
Related: Tom Brady ‘Heartbroken’ Over Death Of Michigan Mentor