Former New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning and his wife, Abby McGrew, made a public appearance together at Madison Square Garden during Game 3 of the NBA Finals on June 9, 2026. The two-time Super Bowl champion attended the game alongside his wife and former New York Yankees star Derek Jeter, drawing attention from fans when he appeared on the arena’s video board.
The appearance offered another glimpse of Manning’s relationship with McGrew, whom he married in 2008. The couple have four children and have maintained a relatively private family life despite Manning’s successful NFL career and continued presence in sports broadcasting.
Who Is Eli Manning’s Wife Abby McGrew?
Abby McGrew Manning was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended the University of Mississippi, commonly known as Ole Miss. She graduated in 2005 with a degree in family and consumer sciences before pursuing work in the fashion industry.
McGrew has generally stayed away from public attention, even during her husband’s 16 seasons with the New York Giants. Unlike many spouses of professional athletes, she does not maintain a prominent public social media presence.
She has occasionally accompanied Manning to sporting events, charity functions and major career celebrations. Her public activities have also included supporting educational programs and children’s healthcare initiatives.
How Did Eli Manning and Abby McGrew Meet?
Manning and McGrew met in 2002 while studying at the University of Mississippi. Manning was establishing himself as one of college football’s leading quarterbacks, while McGrew was completing her undergraduate studies.
Their friendship developed into a romantic relationship, and they continued dating after Manning entered the NFL in 2004.
Manning proposed in March 2007, reportedly during a private date in Hoboken, New Jersey.
The couple married on April 19, 2008, at the One&Only Palmilla resort in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Their wedding took place on the beach in front of approximately 60 guests.
McGrew wore a strapless white wedding dress with gold embroidery, while Manning and his groomsmen wore khaki suits. The ceremony came just months after Manning led the Giants to victory over the previously undefeated New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
Eli Manning and Abby McGrew Have Four Children
Manning and McGrew are parents to three daughters and one son.
Their eldest daughter, Ava Frances Manning, was born on March 21, 2011. Their second daughter, Lucy Thomas Manning, arrived on June 17, 2013.
The couple welcomed their third daughter, Caroline Olivia Manning, on January 29, 2015. Their youngest child and only son, Charles “Charlie” Elisha Manning, was born on February 3, 2019, the day of Super Bowl LIII.
Manning has occasionally shared details about his children’s interests, including swimming, lacrosse, hockey, cheerleading and football.
In September 2025, he attended a Savannah Bananas baseball game at Yankee Stadium with three of his children. He surprised spectators by disguising himself as an umpire before revealing his identity.
During his retirement announcement in January 2020, Manning publicly thanked his wife and children for their support.
“I don’t think I need to make public comments for my family to know how I think about them. But Abby, and to Ava and Lucy and Caroline and Charlie, you are my rock,” Manning said.
Abby McGrew and Eli Manning’s Charity Work
Beyond their family life, Manning and McGrew have supported several educational and healthcare programs.
In 2010, the couple donated $1 million to Ole Miss Opportunity, a scholarship initiative designed to help students from low-income families attend the University of Mississippi.
Their contribution reflected their shared connection to the university, where they first met.
The couple have also supported children’s healthcare in Mississippi. Their charitable activities included fundraising for the Eli Manning Children’s Clinics at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
In 2016, Manning and McGrew pledged another $1 million toward the Children’s of Mississippi capital campaign, which aimed to improve pediatric medical facilities.
Their charitable work has remained an important part of their public activities since Manning retired from professional football.
Eli Manning’s Career After NFL Retirement
Manning retired from the NFL in January 2020 after spending his entire 16-season professional career with the New York Giants.
He led the franchise to victories in Super Bowl XLII and Super Bowl XLVI, earning Super Bowl MVP honors in both games. He finished his career with 57,023 passing yards and 366 touchdown passes.
Following retirement, Manning moved into sports broadcasting alongside his older brother, Peyton Manning. The brothers became hosts of ESPN’s ManningCast, an alternative broadcast of Monday Night Football featuring football analysis and celebrity guests.
Manning has also continued making appearances at major sporting events and participating in charitable activities.
His public appearance with McGrew at the NBA Finals in June 2026 showed the couple continuing to attend events together nearly two decades after their wedding.
As of November 2026, Manning and McGrew remain married and share four children. They continue to keep most details of their family life private while Manning maintains his involvement in sports media.