Colts legend Peyton Manning had some impactful words in response to Howard Mudd’s death.
Colts Nation was hit with terrible news on Wednesday when it was revealed former offensive line coach Howard Mudd had passed away at the age of 78 after losing a battle with injuries suffered from a motorcycle crash. Owner Jim Irsay made an announcement on behalf of the organization, and the condolences have since poured in.
It didn’t take long for Colts legend and future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning to issue a statement, further making it clear how Mudd was held in high regard among those he worked with.
Mudd’s most notable coaching stint of his career came from 1998-2009 with the Colts, which overlapped 12 of Manning’s 13 years with the franchise.
Peyton remembers the man who helped keep him on his feet. pic.twitter.com/woWHlMhqQu
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) August 12, 2020
Mudd was responsible for keeping Manning upright for over a decade, which helped the former Colts QB achieve greatness of the highest level.
Over those 12 years, Manning was an 11-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-Team All-Pro while leading the NFL in passing yards twice, touchdowns three times and completion percentage once. He also won a Super Bowl and four MVPs over that span.
With all due respect to Manning, none of that is possible without a disciplined and fundamentally-sound offensive line. The key to any team’s success typically begins in the trenches and works its way outward. The Colts were just lucky enough to have Manning working behind one of the best offensive lines in the NFL.
I learned so much from you Coach, from being a college coach to an NFL coach. You taught me how that was done. You were a great mentor and better friend. You will be missed!! RIP Howard Mudd pic.twitter.com/4ub518UDA8
— Bruce Arians (@BruceArians) August 12, 2020
Just how good were those Colts offensive lines? Well, over those 12 years, they had the fewest sacks allowed for six of them and Tarik Glenn, who retired after the 2006 season, was the lone first-round pick of the bunch, according to the Indianapolis Star. Mudd embodied the true football mentality and built lesser-known guys into productive players and stars.
He had a lasting and indelible impact on the Colts organization, and it’s one Peyton Manning will surely never forget.
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