NFL legend Peyton Manning, a two-time Super Bowl champion, is widely celebrated for his brilliance on the field — but behind his success stands a remarkable woman, Ashley Manning.
The couple, who have been married for more than two decades, share a deep bond built on love, family, and shared values.
Though Peyton keeps much of his personal life away from the public eye, his admiration for his wife and family has always been evident.
After his 2016 Super Bowl win with the Denver Broncos, he told CBS’s Tracy Wolfson, “I want to go kiss my wife and my kids. I want to go hug my family.”
From her career in real estate and business to her unwavering support for her husband, here’s everything to know about Ashley Manning, the woman who captured Peyton’s heart.
How Peyton And Ashley Manning First Met
Ashley Thompson was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, where fate introduced her to Peyton one summer before his freshman year at the University of Tennessee.
The two were introduced by a family friend — her parents’ next-door neighbor.
Peyton later reminisced about their first meeting in his book Manning: A Father, His Sons, and a Football Legacy.
“We met at one of the few fraternity parties I attended,” he recalled. “I didn’t make a big impression — she told me later my pastel shirt was a turnoff — but I was certainly impressed.”
Despite attending different universities (Ashley studied at the University of Virginia), the two maintained a long-distance relationship that blossomed into a lifelong partnership. Peyton admired Ashley for liking him “for who I was, not what I was.”
Ashley’s Academic Background And Early Life
A University of Virginia alumna, Ashley graduated in 1997. Her intelligence, independence, and grace have long been defining traits.
During a 2014 speech at UVA, Peyton publicly praised his wife’s intellect: “My wife, Ashley, is the smartest person I know — and a lot of that has to do with her time here at UVA.”
In a 2006 interview with Indianapolis Woman, Ashley described herself as independent yet supportive: “I like to stay out of the spotlight… I’m not shy, but I always let Peyton shine.”
A Successful Entrepreneur And NBA Stakeholder
Beyond being the wife of an NFL icon, Ashley Manning is a successful businesswoman. In 2012, she became a minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies, her hometown NBA team.
She expressed her pride in contributing to her community, saying: “As a native of Memphis, it was important to me that the Grizzlies remain in Tennessee and continue to positively impact the community.”
Peyton, ever supportive, said: “While my focus is on football, I look forward to watching her get involved with her hometown team.”
Their Marriage: A St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
Peyton and Ashley tied the knot on March 17, 2001, a beautiful St. Patrick’s Day wedding attended by around 600 guests.
The ceremony, though large, was kept private from the public — even their engagement was a well-kept secret to avoid media attention during football season.
According to Peyton’s father, Archie Manning, the celebration was joyous and grand: “It was a big wedding, probably 600 people or so.”
Welcoming Twins And Embracing Parenthood
In 2011, the couple welcomed twins — Marshall Williams and Mosley Thompson. The Mannings are known for fiercely protecting their children’s privacy, but Peyton occasionally shares heartwarming stories about his family.
During a 2021 appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Peyton revealed that he coaches his son’s flag football team and his daughter’s softball team, joking that some parents were hesitant due to his comedic Saturday Night Live coaching skit.
He also playfully admitted that neither child considers him their favorite player — his son prefers Patrick Mahomes, while his daughter cheers for Stefon Diggs.
The Mannings’ Commitment To Giving Back
Peyton and Ashley are deeply involved in philanthropy. Together, they founded the PeyBack Foundation in 1999, which provides leadership and educational opportunities for underprivileged youth.
Ashley also collaborates with her husband on initiatives supporting the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital at St. Vincent, emphasizing their shared dedication to community welfare and children’s health.
Ashley’s Role During Peyton’s Career Challenges
When Peyton suffered a serious neck injury in 2011, his career hung in the balance. Many thought he would retire, but Ashley’s belief in him never wavered.
Peyton shared with Sports Illustrated: “Ashley was the one saying, ‘Peyton, you’ve got to try.’” Her encouragement gave him the strength to recover and return to the field, where he played five more years before retiring in 2016.
He often credits Ashley’s support as a key factor in his comeback and long-standing career success.
A Family Affair At The 2024 Paris Olympics
In July 2024, Peyton and Ashley attended the Paris Olympics with their twins and Peyton’s mother, Olivia Manning.
The family was seen enjoying the swimming events at Paris La Défense Arena, demonstrating that even after decades in the spotlight, the Mannings remain a closely knit and family-oriented group.
FAQ
What Charities Do Peyton And Ashley Support?
Together, they run the PeyBack Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth, and they also contribute to the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital in Indiana.
Was Ashley Involved In Peyton’s NFL Career Decisions?
Yes, Ashley was instrumental during Peyton’s recovery from a severe neck injury in 2011, encouraging him to keep playing when he considered retirement.
Are Peyton And Ashley Manning Still Together?
Yes, as of 2025, Peyton and Ashley Manning remain happily married, often appearing together at major sports and charity events.