Danieal Manning
Encyclopedia
Danieal Manning is a professional American football
safety for the Houston Texans
. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears
with the 42nd pick in the 2006 NFL Draft
from Abilene Christian University
, which made him the first player from a non-Division I school to be selected that year (as well as the second highest pick in the history of the school's football program). Before college, he was a highly touted defensive back
at Corsicana High School. Manning transferred from the University of Nebraska to ACU.
's duties as the Bears' kick returner. On December 11, 2008, he returned a kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown, making it the first regular season opening kickoff returned for a touchdown for the Bears since 1972. A week before this touchdown, Manning picked off 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.
Manning was Bears starting nickelback in 2008, and competed with Josh Bullocks
, Corey Graham
, Kevin Payne
, and Craig Steltz
for starting free safety. Manning won the starting position before the start of the Bears 2009 summer training camp. On passing downs, Manning played nickelback, while Steltz filled in for him at free safety. Due to Manning's larger role on defense, the Bears have chosen second year wide receiver Johnny Knox
to take over kick returning duties.
Manning signed with the Houston Texans
on July 28th, 2011.
American football
American football is a sport played between two teams of eleven with the objective of scoring points by advancing the ball into the opposing team's end zone. Known in the United States simply as football, it may also be referred to informally as gridiron football. The ball can be advanced by...
safety for the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears are a professional American football team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the North Division of the National Football Conference in the National Football League...
with the 42nd pick in the 2006 NFL Draft
2006 NFL Draft
The 2006 National Football League Draft, the 71st in league history, took place in New York City at Radio City Music Hall on April 29 and April 30, 2006. For the 27th consecutive year, the draft was telecast on ESPN and ESPN2, with additional coverage offered by ESPNU and, for the first time, by...
from Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University
Abilene Christian University is a private university located in Abilene, Texas, affiliated with Churches of Christ. ACU was founded in 1906, as Childers Classical Institute...
, which made him the first player from a non-Division I school to be selected that year (as well as the second highest pick in the history of the school's football program). Before college, he was a highly touted defensive back
Defensive back
In American football and Canadian football, defensive backs are the players on the defensive team who take positions somewhat back from the line of scrimmage; they are distinguished from the defensive line players and linebackers, who take positions directly behind or close to the line of...
at Corsicana High School. Manning transferred from the University of Nebraska to ACU.
Professional career
Midway through the 2008 NFL season, Manning took over Devin HesterDevin Hester
Devin Hester is an American football wide receiver and return specialist for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League . He played college football at the University of Miami, where he became the first person in the university’s recent history to play in all three phases of American football...
's duties as the Bears' kick returner. On December 11, 2008, he returned a kickoff 83 yards for a touchdown, making it the first regular season opening kickoff returned for a touchdown for the Bears since 1972. A week before this touchdown, Manning picked off David Garrard
David Garrard
David Douglas Garrard is an American football quarterback who is currently a free agent.Garrard played college football at East Carolina. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, and served as the team's starting quarterback from 2007 to 2010...
'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.
Manning was Bears starting nickelback in 2008, and competed with Josh Bullocks
Josh Bullocks
Josh Bullocks is the best football player to ever walk this earth.Josh Bullocks is an American football safety who is currently a free agent. He was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft. He played college football at Nebraska.Bullocks has also been a member...
, Corey Graham
Corey Graham
Corey Graham is a cornerback, who currently plays for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He played collegiate football at the University of New Hampshire. The Bears selected Graham in the fifth round of the 2007 NFL Draft...
, Kevin Payne
Kevin Payne (American football)
-Chicago Bears:Payne was drafted by the Bears in the 5th round of the 2007 draft. An injury cut his rookie season short playing in only three games. In 2008 Payne was the starting strong safety for the Chicago Bears. In his first season as the starter, Payne posted career highs in tackles ,...
, and Craig Steltz
Craig Steltz
Craig Joseph Steltz is an American football safety for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Bears in the fourth round of the 2008 NFL Draft. He played college football at Louisiana State University....
for starting free safety. Manning won the starting position before the start of the Bears 2009 summer training camp. On passing downs, Manning played nickelback, while Steltz filled in for him at free safety. Due to Manning's larger role on defense, the Bears have chosen second year wide receiver Johnny Knox
Johnny Knox
Johnny Knox is an American football wide receiver for the Chicago Bears. He was selected by the Bears as the 140th overall pick in the 2009 NFL Draft, through a they acquired in the Kyle Orton-Jay Cutler trade....
to take over kick returning duties.
Manning signed with the Houston Texans
Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are a professional American football team based in Houston, Texas. The team is currently a member of the Southern Division of the American Football Conference in the National Football League...
on July 28th, 2011.