Danieal Manning

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Lore & Background

Danieal Manning's journey to the Houston Texans began with a standout college career at Abilene Christian University, where he earned Division II first-team All-American honors as a return specialist and as a defensive back. The Chicago Bears selected him in the second round (42nd overall) of the 2006 NFL draft, making him the highest selection from Abilene Christian since Johnny Perkins in 1977. Manning made an immediate impact in Chicago, taking over kick-return duties midway through the 2008 season. On December 11, 2008, he returned a kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown, marking the first regular season opening kickoff returned for a touchdown by the Bears since 1972. A week earlier, he intercepted David Garrard's pass on the Jaguars' opening drive and returned it to the Jaguars' five-yard line. Manning led the league in return average and number of 30+-yard returns despite only starting half the season. He signed with the Texans on July 28, 2011, and in week 4 of the 2012 season, he intercepted Matt Hasselbeck and returned it 55 yards for his first defensive touchdown. After being released on March 31, 2014, Manning signed a one-year deal with the Cincinnati Bengals on April 3, 2014, but returned to the Texans on September 1, 2014. He announced his retirement on July 14, 2015.

In Their Own Story

The 2012 season brought a defining moment for Danieal Manning in a Houston Texans uniform. In week 4, with the Texans facing the Tennessee Titans, Manning read the eyes of quarterback Matt Hasselbeck. As Hasselbeck released the ball, Manning broke on the route, snatching the pass out of the air. With open field ahead, he sprinted 55 yards into the end zone, scoring the first defensive touchdown of his career. The crowd at Reliant Stadium erupted as Manning celebrated with his teammates. That play was a highlight in a Texans career that began with a four-year, $20 million contract signed on July 28, 2011. Manning's path to Houston had been forged in Chicago, where he had already proven himself as a dynamic returner and a reliable defensive back. He had led the league in return average and 30+-yard returns in 2008, and had competed for and won the starting free safety job before the 2009 season. Though his time with the Texans was split into two stints—the first ending with his release on March 31, 2014, and the second beginning with a new signing on September 1, 2014—Manning's contributions on defense and special teams left a mark on the franchise before he retired on July 14, 2015.

Reader's Guide

Danieal Manning's role with the Houston Texans was primarily on defense as a safety and on special teams as a returner. On defense, Manning was a key part of the secondary, using his instincts and speed to make plays in coverage and against the run. His most notable defensive moment with the Texans came in week 4 of the 2012 season, when he intercepted Matt Hasselbeck and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown. On special teams, Manning brought the same explosiveness he had shown with the Chicago Bears, where he led the league in return average and number of 30+-yard returns in 2008. While with the Texans, he was a reliable option on kick returns, though his primary value came from his defensive contributions. Manning's ability to play both safety and nickelback made him a versatile asset for the Texans' defensive schemes. His career statistics with the Texans include interceptions, tackles, and return yards, though the source does not provide a full statistical breakdown for his time in Houston.

Did You Know?

• Manning was the highest selection from Abilene Christian University since Johnny Perkins in 1977 when the Chicago Bears drafted him in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft.
• On December 11, 2008, Manning returned a kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown, the first regular season opening kickoff returned for a touchdown by the Bears since 1972.
• Manning led the league in return average and number of 30+-yard returns in 2008 despite only starting half the season.
• He signed a four-year, $20 million contract with the Houston Texans on July 28, 2011, with $9 million guaranteed.
• Manning returned to his alma mater Abilene Christian as an assistant coach on Adam Dorrel's staff on December 18, 2018.