[3] As part of the first College All-Star team to line up against the current NFL champions, Manske caught the eye of Chicago Bears coach George Halas during the surprising 1934 All-Star game; Manske performed well against starting Bears lineman George Musso.

Manske led the Philadelphia Eagles in scoring during the 1935 season; his picture appeared on a Wheaties box in 1936.

As a member of the Chicago Bears, Manske played his last professional game in the memorable 73–0 playoff win over Washington.

One of 995 NFL players[6] who served during World War II, Manske joined the Navy as a lieutenant commander.

During officer training at the St. Mary's Preflight School in 1942, he also played on the team and earned All-Service All-America honors.