First black to play with Packers dies

DETROIT, Oct. 28 (UPI) -- Robert Mann, a pioneering black football player who later became a lawyer in Detroit, has died at the age of 88.

Mann suffered a fatal heart attack last week, the Detroit Free Press reported.

"He was proud of all his accomplishments in life, but at the same time, humble and modest," Vera Mann, his wife, told the newspaper.

Mann joined the Detroit Lions after Navy service during World War II and graduation from the University of Michigan. In 1949, he made 1,014 receiving yards, leading the NFL, and ranked second with 66 catches.

He was traded to the New York Yanks and then became the Green Bay Packers' first black player. He retired in 1954 after injuring his knee.

In 1970, Mann received a degree from the Detroit College of Law. He spent 30 years as a lawyer.

The Packers inducted him into the team Hall of Fame in 1988.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, Mann is survived by two daughters.