ARGOS MOURN PASSING OF DAVE ‘SUPER’ MANN

Toronto – The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is saddened to learn of the loss of one of the most versatile and dynamic players in team history, Dave ‘Super’ Mann. Mann passed away early Tuesday morning from complications due to dementia. He was 79 years old.

Dave Mann played for the Argonauts in 1958, then from 1960-1970 and was one of the most versatile players to ever wear Double Blue. He excelled as both a punter and a kicker, played receiver and defensive back and earned the nickname ‘Superman' for his multi-talented efforts. Mann competed in 153 regular season games and 13 playoff games for the Boatmen and was twice named an East Division All-Star in 1960 and 1961.

Born in Berkley, California, Mann attended college at Oregon State University. He experienced an accomplished career at Oregon where he was a running back and punter. Mann's talent led him to the National Football League where he was drafted in the seventh round by the Chicago Cardinals and played three seasons there before coming to Canada. Mann eventually laid his roots in Canada and was sworn in as a Canadian citizen.

Mann led the league in receiving in 1960 and 1961 and led the CFL in punting in six seasons. His 102-yard punt on September 18, 1966 is still the second longest in CFL history and his 44.2 yard average is still among the best all-time. The adaptable Argonaut held several club records including the highest single-season receiving yards average in the history of the team (22.7 yds/catch) and top five in most touchdowns scored in a single season. Mann is also fourth in career punting yards by an Argonauts player with 55,745 yards and is fourth in career punting average. He was also part of a tandem, along with Boyd Carter, that set an Argos record for longest punt return in team history in 1958. He contributed 116 yards to the 131-yard record setting total.

Mann is survived by his five children: Angela Mann, Melissa Mann, Laura Stilwell, Dana Stillwell and David Mann Jr. Funeral arrangements will be updated when available.

Former teammate and President of the Argonauts Alumni Association, Peter Martin, remembered Mann fondly, “I was on the cover team for Dave’s 102-yard punt, and it was absolutely spectacular. Dave was a terrific punter and a tremendous athlete. I celebrated the birth of my first child with Dave in his basement, he will be missed.”

Toronto Argonauts Executive Chairman & CEO, Chris Rudge commented, “I was a teenager and a huge Argos fan when Dave Mann was in his prime. Those were the days when many star players played both ways; Dave took it a step further and even kicked the ball. I remember Dave as a hero on the field and a popular athlete in the community. He represented the kind of community oriented player that has been the foundation of the Argonauts franchise for many years. Our sincerest condolences go out to the entire Mann family during this difficult time.”

Commented Mann’s former Head Coach, Leo Cahill, “With Dave being the superior athlete that he was, I felt comfortable putting him anywhere on the field. Very rarely does a player lead your team in punting average and receiving yards, but that was the kind of special player Dave was.”

Toronto Argonauts Consultant, Football Operations, and Argonauts Alumnus Nick Volpe, summarized Mann’s career, “I don’t think Dave Mann ever played a bad game. I watched him closely and he was one of the best all around athletes I’ve ever seen. He maintained his love for the Argos even into retirement and was a regular on the sidelines at practice.”