Manning inks deal with Texans
7/29/2011 8:47:00 AM | Football
HOUSTON – Former ACU all-America defensive back Danieal Manning signed a four-year contract with the Houston Texans early Friday morning, leaving the Chicago Bears to return to his home state.
Manning, a native of Corsicana who played for the Wildcats from 2003-05, signed a deal reportedly worth $20 million over four years with $9 million in guarantees. Manning signed with the Texans after spurning the Bears' three-year offer last year and receiving interest from several teams over the last few days, including the 49ers, Browns, Saints and Jets.
Had the sides been able to come to an agreement for a Manning return, the safety had already been told he'd be involved in a three-player rotation, somewhat similar to last year's, which still featured Harris and Manning taking the majority of the snaps.
A fifth-year veteran, Manning made arguably the most significant impact of his tenure with the team in 2011 when he contributed 85 tackles, an interception and five pass breakups. The performance came as somewhat of a breakthrough for Manning, who played virtually every spot in the secondary, before the team finally settled on him at strong safety.
During a season in which the Bears allowed the second-fewest touchdown passes (14), and gave up multiple touchdowns just twice (best in the league), Manning was one of five safeties in the NFL who played 75 percent or more of their defensive snaps to not give up a touchdown.
Manning also missed just three tackles, second-fewest among other NFL safeties who played 75 percent or more of their team's defensive snaps.
Manning contributed considerably on special teams as a return man as well, which is likely a role he'll take on with his new club. Since 2008, Manning leads the NFL in kickoff returns of 40 or more yards.
espn.com contributed to this report.
ACU Football: Sam Hicks Prepares for Canadian Football League Debut
Tuesday, June 09
ACU Baseball: Rick McCarty Press Conference | May 11, 2026
Tuesday, May 12
ACU Baseball: Senior Day Ceremony | May 9, 2026
Saturday, May 09
ACU Softball: Jo Koons Press Conference | May 4, 2026
Monday, May 04
