Former NFL offensive line coach Howard Mudd has died after failing to recover from injuries suffered in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago. Mudd was 78.
Mudd spent time coaching with eight different teams, including a stint with the Colts from 1998-2009 and another short stop in Indianapolis last season. During his first tenure with the Colts, Mudd coached an offensive line that helped keep quarterback Peyton Manning upright.
After Mudd died on Wednesday, Manning released the following statement through Indianapolis’ Twitter page:
In my opinion, Howard Mudd was the best offensive line coach in NFL history. I would put him on that pedestal any day of the week … he will be missed by many. I know so many like me are grateful to have played for him.
With Mudd’s line protecting him, Manning made 11 Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XLI in 2007. Manning later joined the Broncos and won another Super Bowl in Denver before retiring in 2016.
