Bob Mann: 1947 National Champion team member passes away

Bob Mann was a wide receiver on the 1947 National Championship team (10-0) coached by Fritz Crisler that beat USC 49-0 in the Rose Bowl. After graduating from Michigan, Mr. Mann went on to the NFL where he played for the Detroit Lions. He had the distinction of being the Lions' first African-American player and the Lions' first 1,000 yard receiver. He amassed 1,014 receiving yards in 1949 which led the NFL that season. After a highly successful NFL career with Detroit and the Green Bay Packers, Mr. Mann went on to an even more successful career as an attorney in Detroit. Mr. Mann practiced law for more than 30 years and his law office was just a few blocks away from Ford Field. In fact, it was just last month that I had the honor of meeting Mr. Mann while he and I waited in a court in Detroit where we were representing our respective clients. Mr. Mann was extremely gracious as we chatted for a few minutes while we waited for the judge. He explained to me that he liked the looks of this year's Michigan team and stated he thought they could win the National Championship (just like his team had done in '47). Mr. Mann was a trailblazer and will be sorely missed. He was 82 at the time of his passing. Go Blue!