Bobby Mann Signs With Bo's Lions
DETROIT - (AP) - Bob Mann, brilliant Negro end from Michigan's undefeated 1947 football team, will play professional ball in 1948 with the Detroit Lions.
Lengthy negotiations for Mann's services were closed by Coach A. N. (Bo) McMillin here yesterday when the 24-year-old New Bern, N. C., pass snagger signed his Detroit contract.
"We're tickled to get him," McMillin said. "Mann's performance the last two seasons at Michigan is proof enough he should fit into our plans here."
Mann was strictly an offensive end with Michigan's great 1947 team. He caught 12 passes for gains totalling 302 yards and picked up another 129 yards carrying the ball 15 times on end-around plays. In addition, Mann scored four touchdowns for the Wolverines, three of them on passes.
The ex-Wolverine is the 37th player and the fifth end signed by the Lions for 1948. Other ends already under contract are Ted Cook, Ted Cremer, Johnny Greene and Kelly Mote.