Dave Mann (gridiron football) facts for kids
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| Date of birth: | June 2, 1932 |
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| Place of birth: | Berkeley, California |
| Date of death: | May 22, 2012 (aged 79) |
| Place of death: | Toronto |
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Career information
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| Status: | Retired |
| CFL status: | Non-import |
| Position(s): | P/RB |
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight: | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| College: | Oregon State |
| NFL Draft: | 1954 / Round: 7 / Pick: 74 |
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Organizations
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| CFL East All-Star: | 1960, 1961 |
| Honors: | All-Time Argo (2005) |
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Career stats
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| Playing stats at NFL.com | |
David Carl Mann (born June 2, 1932 – died May 22, 2012) was an amazing American football player. He played as a punter, which means he kicked the ball far down the field. He also played as a running back, carrying the ball.
Dave Mann played in two big leagues: the NFL and the CFL. He was also a pioneer! He was the very first African-American player to play college football for Oregon State University.
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Dave Mann's Football Journey
Dave Mann was born in Berkeley, California. He played college football for Oregon State University from 1951 to 1954. After college, he was chosen in the 1954 NFL Draft. The Chicago Cardinals picked him in the 7th round.
Playing in the NFL and CFL
Mann played for the Chicago Cardinals for three seasons. He was a punter, a running back, and a member of the special teams. Special teams are groups of players who handle kickoffs, punts, and field goals.
After his time in the NFL, Dave Mann moved to Canada. He joined the Toronto Argonauts in the Canadian Football League. He played for the Argonauts for many years, from 1958 to 1970 (with a short break in 1959). He was a very important player for them.
Coaching After Playing
After his professional playing career, Dave Mann shared his football knowledge. He volunteered as an Offence Coach at St. Michael's College. This college is part of the University of Toronto.
Under Mann's coaching, the team won four Mulock Cups. These cups were for being the best in intra-collegiate football. This means they were champions among the different colleges at the University of Toronto.
Life After Football
Dave Mann became a Canadian citizen. He moved to Mississauga, Ontario, a city near Toronto. He had many interests outside of football.
He taught people how to play golf. He also played the drums in a jazz trio, showing his musical talent. He even became friends with the famous comedian Bill Cosby. Mann also became a business partner in a soul food restaurant in Toronto called The Underground Railroad.
Dave Mann passed away on May 22, 2012. He died in a Toronto nursing home due to health complications.
