The Manning name is one of the most iconic names in sports. Despite growing up with a father who was an NFL quarterback, Peyton keeps his family life relatively private. Whether it is his wife, children, parents or brothers there is many fascinating aspects to Peyton’s family.
Manning was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. Before becoming a star NFL quarterback, he was giving SEC teams fits with the Tennessee Volunteers.
Manning now wears a variety of hats inside his family including husband, father, brother and son. Here are some of the more fascinating aspects of Peyton Manning’s family:
1. Peyton is Married to Ashley Thompson
The couple met through one of Ashley’s parents next-door neighbor. Ashley is notorious for doing her best to stay out of the public eye. “I like to stay out of the spotlight. People may think I am aloof, but I’m not, and I am not shy by any means, but I always let Peyton shine,” Ashley told the Indianapolis Woman.
She graduated from the University of Virginia with a degree in finance and marketing. Ashley is an astute business woman who has been involved in real estate. She also owns an ownership piece with her hometown NBA franchise, the Memphis Grizzlies.
2. The Manning Couple Has Twins
The couple has four year old twins. The public came to know their son, Marshall and daughter, Mosley, through a video that went viral during the Denver Broncos training camp a year ago. Peyton had a pretend wrestling match with his children on the practice field and it was caught on the above video.
Cue the aaawwwwws. Here’s Peyton Manning playing with his kids after practice. #Broncos http://t.co/YIOC5hSHKX
3. His Brothers Are Cooper and Eli Manning
Most football fans know New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning, but few people know Cooper Manning. Cooper once played football and had committed to playing at Ole Miss like his father. Before he could start his college career, he was diagnosed with spinal stenosis. The illness would not allow his body to continue to take on the rigors of football.
Cooper is a businessman involved in an energy investment firm. He was featured with his brothers in ESPN’s documentary The Book of Manning.
4. Peyton’s Father Archie Played for the New Orleans Saints
Archie Manning is revered by Saints fans everywhere. In the video above, you can see a young Peyton Manning at his father’s retirement ceremony. Archie was initially on the inaugural College Football Playoff selection committee. However, he had to step away from the committee due to a recent surgery that prevented him from traveling.
5. Olivia Is the Mother of the Family
Oliva is the mother to Peyton, Cooper and Eli. She and Archie still live in New Orleans where she is active in a number of charities like the one seen in the commercial above. Olivia is a big Saints fan, except when Peyton or Eli are playing against them.
The couple met at a dance at Ole Miss and got married right before Archie was drafted by the New Orleans Saints. Her support means a lot to Peyton. He recently told Garden and Gun: “It makes me feel good knowing she’s there pulling hard for me just like when I was eight, playing baseball, and I could see her in the stands.”