Former 49ers All-Pro lineman Howard Mudd dies after motorcycle accident
The three-time 49ers Pro Bowl lineman who was on NFL's All-Decade team in the '60s and was a longtime NFL assistant, dies at 78.
Howard Mudd, a three-time 49ers Pro Bowl offensive lineman and a longtime NFL assistant coach, died Wednesday, two weeks after suffering serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. He was 78.
Mudd was honored as a member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s for his dominant six-year run in San Francisco from 1964-69 that included being named an All-Pro twice and a Pro Bowler from 1966-68.
“We are truly saddened to learn of the passing of Howard Mudd, and extend our condolences to his family and friends,” the 49ers said in a statement posted on Twitter.
We are truly saddened to learn of the passing of Howard Mudd, and extend our condolences to his family and friends.
A legendary coach and accomplished player, Mudd was a 2-time 1st-Team All-Pro and a 3-time Pro Bowler as a 49er, before coaching the team’s offensive line in 1977. pic.twitter.com/tlB3dtRHxe
— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) August 12, 2020
He was perhaps best known as one of the NFL’s top offensive line coaches during a career that spanned six decades. Mudd spent two seasons as a Cal offensive line coach (1972-73) for head coach Mike White before launching an NFL coaching career for seven teams, including the 49ers in 1977.
Mudd’s finest work came in Indianapolis from 1998-2009, where he was the architect of the offensive line that protected Peyton Manning and helped the Colts win a Super Bowl title. Mudd last coached in 2012 with the Eagles, but he served as an adviser for the Colts during the 2019 preseason.
“In my opinion, Howard Mudd was the best offensive line coach in NFL history,” Manning said in a statement released by the Colts. “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.”
Mudd's goal always was to give PM a 'clean pocket'
Colts in sacks allowed by Mudd's o-line1998-22 (2nd fewest)
1999-14 (1)
2000-20 (t-1)
2001-30 (10)
2002-23 (4)
2003-19 (3)
2004-14 (t-1)
2005-20
2006-15 (1)
2007-23 (7)
2008-14 (4)
2009-13 (1)
2010-16 (t-1)notice the trend? https://t.co/93F1FwizpI
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) August 12, 2020
Mudd had been hospitalized in the intensive care unit at Seattle’s Harborview Medical Center since suffering pelvic and spinal injuries in a July 29 crash. His family announced his death on CaringBridge.org Wednesday afternoon.
“We want to share that yesterday we (as a family) made the decision to focus care on providing Howard the most comfort,” the statement read. “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.”
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
Colts owner Jim Irsay posted a tribute to Mudd on Twitter Wednesday.
“Rest in peace, Howard Mudd,” Irsay tweeted. “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.”
Field Level Media contributed to this report