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Colts: Legendary OL coach Howard Mudd seriously injured in crash

By Adam Weinrib

INDIANAPOLIS - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts goes over a play with Sr. Offensive Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets beat the Colts 29-15 as the Colts lost for the first time this season.. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS - DECEMBER 27: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts goes over a play with Sr. Offensive Offensive Line Coach Howard Mudd against the New York Jets at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 27, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Jets beat the Colts 29-15 as the Colts lost for the first time this season.. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /
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Colts OL coaching legend Howard Mudd was seriously injured in a motorcycle crash.

Colts legend Howard Mudd returned to the team last season after nearly a decade away from Indianapolis.

Unfortunately, the second year of his return tenure has hit a significant snag.

Mudd remains in the ICU following a motorcycle crash this week, and reportedly faces the likelihood of significant surgery this week.

Mudd arrived in the ICU following the accident on Wednesday, and had pelvic surgery this week. However, the team working on his care has delayed a necessary spinal surgery, which still must take place.

A text from Mudd’s wife, shared to a CaringBridge page that’s providing updates on his condition, was reasonably bleak.

“Docs will regroup & try to determine how best to proceed,” she wrote. “He’s awake off and on. Thank you, everyone, for thoughts & prayers.’’

Mudd, currently 78, returned to the Colts as an offensive assistant in 2019, likely in part because of Quenton Nelson’s dominance. After all, what kind of OL coach would he be if Nelson’s presence hadn’t necessitated a return to action?

The NFL lifer has spent over five decades in the game, and notably led the excellent Colts OL during his initial stint in Indy from 1998-2009. His group of maulers helped ensure a Super Bowl victory in 2006, protecting Peyton Manning efficiently throughout the process — is their any tougher or more thankless job in sports?

Mudd left for the Eagles in 2011 and 2012, then was off the sidelines before his 2019 return to Indianapolis.

A legend of the game, he was a three-time Pro Bowler with the San Francisco 49ers and Chicago Bears in the 1960s, making the NFL’s All-Decade Team as a player. People forget that.

We’ll share updates on Mudd’s condition as they’re released. This next week is critical, and we have our fingers crossed. Hopefully, the same fight that brought him back to Indy pushes him through this daunting battle, too.

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