View source for Bob Mann (American football) | American Football Database

====1948 season====
As a rookie in 1948, Mann became the first [[African-American]] to play for the Lions; halfback [[Mel Groomes]] also played for the Lions in 1948.<ref name=MC/>  He appeared in all 12 games for the Lions, but was not included in the starting lineup in any of the Lions' games in 1948.  Despite his role as a "backup," Mann finished the season with 33 catches for 560 yards, ranking him 7th in the NFL in receiving yards and 4th in yards per reception.<ref name=PFR>{{cite web|title=Bob Mann profile|publisher=pro-football-reference.com|url=http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/M/MannBo00.htm|accessdate=September 26, 2010}}</ref>

In December 1948, Mann joined Jesse Owens' Olympians professional basketball team in Cleveland.  He had played two years of basketball at Hampton Institute but did not play basketball at Michigan.<ref>{{cite news|title=Detroit Gridder To Join Cagers|newspaper=San Antonio Express|date=December 19, 1948}}</ref>