Introduction
Peyton Williams Manning, one of the most celebrated football players in history, has a compelling story that blends collegiate legacy, deep family bonds, and an exceptional athletic career. In this article, we explore his college number and honors, his role as a father, the influence of his own father, and his marriage to Ashley Manning.
1. College Number: A Symbol of Greatness
College Jersey Number and Legacy
At the University of Tennessee, Peyton Manning wore jersey #16, a number now permanently retired in his honor. This number marked his iconic status as Tennessee’s all-time leading passer, with 11,201 yards and 89 touchdowns, and led the Volunteers to a stunning 1997 SEC Championship.
In recognition of his remarkable performance and character, Manning’s number was retired by Tennessee in 2005, and he was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
Cultural Footprint: Saloon 16
In a nod to his college roots, Manning co-owned a bar-restaurant near Neyland Stadium in Knoxville named Saloon 16. The name blends his iconic jersey number with his nickname, “The Sheriff,” and channelled his meaningful Tennessee legacy.
2. Manning as Dad: Marshall & Mosley
A Family of Four
Peyton married Ashley Thompson (now Ashley Manning) on March 17, 2001—St. Patrick’s Day—in a wedding kept discreet to avoid distractions during football season. The couple welcomed fraternal twins — Marshall Williams and Mosley Thompson — on March 31, 2011
Fatherhood in the Spotlight
Manning is deeply devoted to his children:
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Marshall is a passionate football fan. He’s been seen wearing his father’s No. 18 Broncos jersey and appears alongside him at milestone games. Although he sometimes supports other current players on his jerseys (like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen), their bond remains strong.
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Mosley has shown interest in sports like softball, volleyball, and tennis. Even though she doesn’t play football, Manning has been an active coach in her sporting life. She also made several public appearances with her dad, such as attending the 2015 ESPYs.
Manning has spoken candidly about how becoming a father during his challenging early 2010s period was a blessing that re-energized him. After his retirement in 2016, family became his centerpiece — “faith, family, friends, and football” — in that order WikipediaPeople.com.
3. Peyton’s Father: Archie Manning – The Patriarch
Peyton is the second of three sons born to Archie Manning and Olivia Manning. Archie was a standout quarterback for Ole Miss in college, and later played professionally for the New Orleans Saints, Houston Oilers, and Minnesota Vikings. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Although his eldest son Cooper had to abandon his promising football career due to spinal stenosis, his resilience and encouragement played a formative role for Peyton and Eli. Peyton attributes much of his early athletic development and love for football to the lessons learned from his father.
4. Manning’s Wife: Ashley Thompson Manning
Their Story and Career
Ashley, a University of Virginia graduate, met Peyton the summer before his freshman year at Tennessee when they were introduced by a neighbor in Memphis. Not only has she maintained a low-profile, self-described independence, she gracefully allowed her husband to remain in the spotlight.
Ashley is a successful businesswoman, launching a real estate career and becoming a minority owner of the Memphis Grizzlies NBA team.
Partnership in Philanthropy & Support
Together, they founded the PeyBack Foundation in 1999 to support at-risk youth. The organization has provided scholarships—both at Tennessee and at historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs)—and funded youth programs through the football scholarship Peyton endows.
During Peyton’s career-threatening neck injury in 2011, Ashley’s encouragement was pivotal in his comeback and eventual move to the Denver Broncos.
High-Profile Appearances
The Manning family appeared at the 2024 Paris Olympics, supporting Team USA together — a testament to their shared values and low-key public presence.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| College Number | University of Tennessee #16 – retired 2005; College Football Hall of Fame 2017 |
| Saloon 16 | Bar/restaurant in Knoxville named after his college number and nickname |
| Kids | Twins Marshall Williams & Mosley Thompson, born March 31, 2011 |
| Father | Archie Manning – football legend and mentor |
| Wife | Ashley Thompson Manning – UVA alum, businesswoman, philanthropist |
Conclusion
Peyton Manning’s legacy spans far beyond his incredible performance as an NFL quarterback. His #16 college number symbolizes a storied legacy at Tennessee, his devotion as a father to Marshall and Mosley showcases a deeply personal and uplifting side, and his relationship with his father Archie underscores the lasting bonds of family and mentorship. Alongside that, his marriage to Ashley Manning reveals a partnership rooted in love, support, and philanthropy.
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