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Some sad news to report concerning one of the giants of NFL coaching.
Former offensive lineman turned legendary offensive line coach Howard Mudd has passed away due to injuries he suffered in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago. Mudd was in intensive care at a Seattle hospital and unfortunately his condition took a fatal turn for the worse.
Mudd was a three-time Pro Bowl guard and a member of the 1960s All-Decade Team before a knee injury ended his playing career. As a coach, he’s been nothing short of spectacular and universally respected. He’s best known for his 11 years as an OL coach with the Indianapolis Colts, a team he won a Super Bowl with while Peyton Manning usually enjoyed outstanding pass protection and Edgerrin James had a borderline Hall of Fame career.
The Seattle Seahawks had Mudd on their coaching staff under Jack Patera from 1978-1982 and through the Tom Flores/Dennis Erickson era from 1993-1997. Mudd coached future HOFers Kevin Mawae and (for his rookie season) Walter Jones. Both Mawae and Jones shared their stories and condolences on social media.
My thoughts and prayers are with Howard Mudd's family. The man believed in my when he didn't have to. Always spoke so highly of me and I hope I made him proud. I couldn't share my thoughts in just a tweet, so here is some audio. RIP, Coach. pic.twitter.com/Q2qjoG79RB
— WALTER JONES (@BigWalt71) August 12, 2020
This is from April 1994, the day the @Seahawks drafted me...It was @muddhoward who wanted me.....I had the privilege to play for one of the best OLine coaches in the game of football. My heart is heavy with his passing this morning.! ️ Loved him beyond the field. pic.twitter.com/zCiPnI4CNl
— Kevin Mawae (@KevinMawae) August 12, 2020
Mudd retired from coaching in 2012 after working with the Philadelphia Eagles, then un-retired briefly in 2019 to be a senior offensive assistant in Indianapolis. Before the regular season started, he stepped down and returned to retirement.
Howard Mudd was 78 years old.