Former Texans safety Danieal Manning has decided to end his playing career, according to a report from CBS Houston. Manning announced his decision to retire from the NFL today during an appearance on SportsRadio 610 in Houston.
Manning, who will turn 33 next month, was selected in the second round of the 2006 draft by the Bears, spending the next five seasons with the team. In 2011, he joined the Texans, where he played out the final four years of his NFL career.
While Manning never developed into an elite defender in Chicago or Houston, he was a solid complementary piece for both teams, appearing in a total of 128 regular season games (96 starts) over the course of his nine-year career. During that span, the Abilene Christian product recorded 549 tackles, grabbed 11 interceptions, and forced 10 fumbles. Manning also contributed as a kick returner during his last few years in Chicago, averaging a league-best 29.7 yards per return in 2008.
After signing him to a one-year contract just before 2014 season got underway, the Texans seemed to be moving on from Manning this offseason, as the team overhauled its group of safeties. Last year’s top three contributors at the position – Manning, Kendrick Lewis, and D.J. Swearinger – have all moved on, with Rahim Moore and Stevie Brown among the new additions.
One of those guys that feels like he’s been around forever. Almost surprising to hear that he’s only 33.