He played college football for the Abilene Christian Wildcats and was selected by the Chicago Bears in the second round of the 2006 NFL draft.

Midway through the 2008 NFL season, Manning took over Devin Hester's duties as the Bears' kick returner.

[11] Due to Manning's larger role on defense, the Bears chose second-year wide receiver Johnny Knox to take over kick-returning duties.

[13] In week 4 of the 2012 season, Manning intercepted Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and returned it 55 yards for the first defensive touchdown of his career.

[17] On December 18, 2018, Manning announced he would be returning to his alma mater Abilene Christian as an assistant coach on Adam Dorrel's staff.