Bob Mann, one of Tigers’ first black players, dies at 82
DETROIT (AP) – Bob Mann, one of the Detroit Lions’ first black players and a star receiver during the 1940s and ’50s, has died. He was 82. Mann died Saturday in Detroit, the Lions said.
In 1948, Mann and halfback Mel Groomes became the Lions’ first black players. In 1949, he set a team record for receptions (66) and became the club’s first 1,000-yard receiver. He led the NFL that year in yards receiving (1,014).
The Lions traded Mann to the New York Yanks in 1950 for future Hall of Famer Bobby Layne. Mann was released by the Yanks and ended his career with Green Bay in 1951.
Mann was born in North Carolina and played in college at Michigan, finishing in 1947. He starred on coach Fritz Crisler’s undefeated national championship team.
After his NFL career, he became a lawyer and worked in Detroit.
Mann is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vera, and two daughters.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday in Detroit.