Dave Mann (gridiron football)

David Carl Mann (June 2, 1932 – May 22, 2012) was a professional American-born Canadian punter in the NFL and CFL. Mann was also the first African-American to play college football for Oregon State University.

Career – College to NFL to CFL

Born in Berkeley, California, Mann played at Oregon State from 1951 to 1954 and was drafted in the 7th round of the 1954 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals in the National Football League. He played for the Cardinals for three seasons as a punter, running back, and a special teams member. Then he went to the Canadian Football League where he played for the Toronto Argonauts. When released in the start of the 1969 season, he played for the Bramalea Satellites, being called back to the Argos as if the Bramalea team was a taxi squad.

Dave Mann volunteered as Offence Coach with St. Michael's College at the University of Toronto, under head coach Lex Byrd. During Mann's tenure, the team won four Mulock Cups as intra-collegiate football champions; including the final playing of intra-faculty tackle football at U of T in the fall of 1993.

Personal, Post Football and Death

Mann became a Canadian citizen and moved to Mississauga, Ontario and instructed techniques in golf. Mann opened a restaurant and became friends with comedian Bill Cosby.

Mann died on May 22, 2012 in a Toronto nursing home due to complications from dementia.