Danieal Manning

Danieal Manning is a former American professional football player and current coach. He played as a safety and return specialist in the National Football League (NFL). Best known for his time with the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans, he was a dynamic playmaker on both defense and special teams, eventually leading the league in kickoff return average.

Player Profile, High School, and College Career

Danieal LaCraig Manning was born on August 9, 1982, in Corsicana, Texas, United States. The Safety stands 180 cm tall, and his weight was last listed at 96 kg.

He attended Corsicana High School in his hometown. Following graduation, Manning played college football at Abilene Christian University, competing at the Division II level. During his three seasons playing for the Wildcats, he dominated the competition, compiling 159 tackles and 11 interceptions while serving as a highly dangerous return man.

He recorded six special team touchdowns and earned two All-American selections in 2004 and 2005. His incredible collegiate career was later honored when Abilene Christian officially retired his No. 11 jersey.

Personal Life

Following his retirement from professional football, Manning transitioned into the coaching world. He returned to his collegiate alma mater, Abilene Christian University, where he joined the football staff as an assistant coach to help mentor the next generation of players.

Professional Career

He was drafted by the Chicago Bears during the 2006 NFL Draft. They selected him in the second round, making him the 42nd overall pick.

During his professional career, Manning made an immediate impact for the Bears. In his 2006 rookie season, he helped the defense and special teams units dominate, ultimately leading the team to an appearance in Super Bowl XLI. While he developed into a reliable starting safety and nickelback, he truly made waves as a dynamic kick returner. In 2008, he led the entire NFL in kickoff return average with an impressive 29.7 yards per return, a feat that earned him All-Pro honors as a returner.

After five successful seasons in Chicago, Manning signed with the Houston Texans in free agency ahead of the 2011 season. He provided an immediate veteran spark, helping transform Houston's defensive secondary into one of the league's top units. He played for the Texans until the end of the 2013 season.

After briefly joining the Cincinnati Bengals during the 2014 offseason, he returned to the Texans to play out his final professional season before officially retiring. He concluded his nine-year NFL career with 552 combined tackles, 11 interceptions, 9 forced fumbles, and 3,370 total return yards.

Career Highlights:

• 2006 – NFC Champion (Chicago Bears)
• 2008 – All-Pro (Kick Returner)
• 2008 – NFL kickoff return average leader (29.7)
• 2004, 2005 – 2× Division II All-American
• Abilene Christian Wildcats No. 11 retired