Howard Mudd, a former NFL player and longtime offensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts, died Wednesday at age 78 after suffering injuries in a motorcycle accident.
Mudd, who made his name building the offensive lines in front of Peyton Manning, was in the motorcycle accident two weeks ago.
Howard Mudd has passed away. This from his family:
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— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) August 12, 2020
The family’s statement:
We want to share that yesterday we (as a family) made the decision to focus care on providing Howard the most comfort. Right after the accident he fought so hard against all odds to communicate to us that he loves us and that he knows we love him. Yesterday, it became clear that he was ready and that we needed to surround him with love and fight for his right to comfort and peace.
This morning he was surrounded in the room by his sons (Darren and Adam) who held his arms and prayed over him as he passed away.
Howard deeply loved and enjoyed his many friends and family. Please honor Howard today and every day by sharing a belly laugh with a loved one, or telling a stupid joke, or calling up a friend to tell them you are thinking of them.
Please know that we appreciate all the support & love & prayers for our family. He was loved by so many. We are missing a link in our family & at this time trying to support one another.
No funeral planned. However, a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity or Howard’s favorite : Indianapolis Great Pyrenees Rescue, Indianapolis, In.We love you all.
Mudd family
Colts owner Jim Irsay offered his condolences
Rest in peace, Howard Mudd. Howard was a GREAT player during a shortened career and then became one of the game's all-time greatest offensive line coaches. He contributed to many different teams over 47 years in our league—but he will always be a Colt. #LoveYouHoward
— Jim Irsay (@JimIrsay) August 12, 2020
Mudd was a former offensive lineman and offensive line coach in the NFL. From 1998–2009, he was the offensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts, with whom he won Super Bowl XLI. He played seven seasons for the San Francisco 49ers and the Chicago Bears from 1964-70. Mudd was a three-time Pro Bowler in 1966-68. He retired in 1971 due to a knee injury, and began his coaching career at the University of California the following year.