Houston Texans

Former Texans safety Manning retires after nine seasons

Published Jul. 15, 2015 10:29 p.m. ET

Shawn Ramsey

Former Houston Texans safety Danieal Manning is retiring from the NFL after nine seasons.

Manning, who announced his retirement Tuesday on Sports Radio 610 in Houston, has played the last four seasons with the Texans after spending five seasons with the Chicago Bears. He said he just wants to go back to college to obtain his degree and start a coaching career.

"It's time," Manning told Sports Radio 610. "There wasn't a particular reason other than I wanted to go back to school and earn my degree so I can start coaching."

Manning, who is from Corsicana, Texas, playing college football at Abilene Christian University, helped lead the Texans to their first AFC South title in 2011 after signing a four-year, $20 million contract prior to that season. He, along with other free agent signings and draft picks in 2011, help turn around a Houston defense that ranked near the bottom in 2010.

"I'm thrilled about my four years with the Texans," Manning said. "When the Texans gave me a chance to return to my home state and play for them, I said 'I'm going to do it.'"

While his ability to be an impact player had diminished after missing a majority of the 2013 season, Manning was still a valuable asset for the Texans in 2014, playing in all 16 games after re-signing with the team in the preseason.

Follow Shawn Ramsey on Twitter: @ShawnPRamsey

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