Peyton Manning, a legendary figure in the world of American football, is not only celebrated for his on-field achievements but also for his life beyond the game. As fans admire his athletic prowess, many are curious about the personal side of this iconic quarterback, particularly wanting to know about Peyton Manning's wife.
In this article, we delve into the details of Manning's family life, shedding light on the woman who has stood by his side.
Who is Peyton Manning?
Peyton Manning is a retired professional football player who is largely regarded as one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history.
He was born on March 24, 1976, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and raised in a football family. His father, Archie Manning, was a former NFL quarterback, and his older brother, Cooper Manning, also played football.
Who is Peyton Manning's Wife?
Ashley Thompson is the wife of Peyton Manning, a retired NFL quarterback. The couple met in college and has been married since 2001.
Thompson was born in Memphis, Tennessee, and went to the University of Virginia, where she met Manning. She earned a marketing degree and spent several years working in advertising before becoming a stay-at-home mother.
Thompson is well-known for her philanthropic activity and has been involved in many nonprofit organizations, including the PeyBack Foundation, which Manning formed to help poor youngsters. She has also been involved in the Denver community, contributing her time and resources to a variety of organizations.
Despite Manning's great status in athletics, Thompson likes to maintain a low profile and is rarely seen in public with her spouse. She is known to be a caring wife and mother who has had a significant impact on Manning's life and profession.
How did Peyton and Ashley Meet?
Ashley met Peyton in her hometown the summer before the football star started his freshman year at the University of Tennessee. Ashley's parents' next-door neighbor introduced her to Peyton.
Peyton Manning's book, Manning, A Father, His Sons, and A Football Legacy, recounts his first meeting with his wife. “It was in August, at one of the few fraternity parties I went to,” he stated in an email.
“We were introduced and spoke briefly. I didn't make a great first impression (she subsequently admitted that my pastel shirt turned her off), but I was certainly pleased.” He proceeded, “With all her qualities, I think what pleased me most about Ashley, though, was that she liked me for who I was, not what I was.”
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Ashley was attending the University of Virginia at the time, but they continued to date long distance.
When did Peyton and Ashley get Married?
The pair married on March 17, 2001. The groom's father, Archie Manning, a former New Orleans Saints quarterback, said it wasn't a little affair. “It's a pretty big wedding, probably 600 people or so,” Peyton's father stated.
The wedding surprised most fans because the couple chose to keep their engagement a secret. “Peyton didn't want it to be a story during football season,” Archie said.
Do Peyton and Ashley have Kids?
She and Peyton had twins in 2011. Ashley welcomed twins Marshall Williams and Mosley Thomson into the world in 2011. While the couple likes to keep their children out of the spotlight, Peyton has revealed some information about them throughout the years.
In June 2021, the NFL star announced that his children were following in his footsteps and becoming interested in sports.
During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, he revealed that he had begun coaching his son's flag football team and his daughter's softball team, noting that the other parents were “hesitant” to have him, coach, because of his iconic 2013 Saturday Night Live skit.
“It's a great way to spend time with your kids, although I got to tell you, Kelly, that some of the parents of the other kids on the team were a little hesitant at first,” he said.
“The last time they saw me ever doing any coaching was on this Saturday Night Live skit where I was pegging 7-year-old kids in the head with footballs, and I think these parents were like, ‘Are we sure we want our kid to play on your team?'”
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He also admitted that he is not the twins' favorite football player, joking that his son wears a Patrick Mahomes jersey and his daughter wears a Stefon Diggs jersey.
