Charles Mann is a former American football defensive end who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 seasons. He was born on February 18, 1961, in Alexandria, Louisiana, and attended high school in Sacramento, California. Mann played college football at the University of Nevada, Reno, where he was a standout defensive lineman.
Mann was selected by the Washington Redskins in the third round of the 1983 NFL Draft. He quickly established himself as a key player on the Redskins' defense, earning a starting role in his rookie season. Mann was known for his size, strength, and agility, which made him a formidable pass rusher and run stopper.
Over the course of his career, Mann played in 163 games for the Redskins and San Francisco 49ers. He recorded 83.5 sacks, 4 interceptions, and 14 fumble recoveries. Mann was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and was named to the All-Pro team in 1987 and 1991. He was also a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams with the Redskins in 1983, 1988, and 1992.
Mann's best season came in 1985 when he recorded 14.5 sacks and was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Year. He followed that up with another strong season in 1986, recording 11 sacks and helping the Redskins reach the Super Bowl.
Mann's career was not without its challenges, however. He suffered a serious knee injury in 1989 that forced him to miss most of the season. He also struggled with injuries in 1993 and 1994, which ultimately led to his retirement from the NFL.
After retiring from football, Mann remained involved in the sport as a coach and broadcaster. He worked as a defensive line coach for the Amsterdam Admirals of NFL Europe and later served as a color commentator for NFL games on Fox and CBS.
Overall, Charles Mann was one of the most dominant defensive players of his era. His size, strength, and agility made him a force to be reckoned with on the field, and his contributions helped the Redskins win three Super Bowls. Despite his injuries, Mann remained a respected and beloved figure in the NFL community, and his legacy as a player and coach continues to inspire future generations of football players.
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